C.R. Paatil Launches Aquatic Biodiversity Initiatives under Namami Gange

Current Context: On 14 January 2026, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil inaugurated aquatic biodiversity initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission (National Mission for Clean Ganga – NMCG) at Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.

• The Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre (ALCMC) was launched with labs for Ecotoxicology, Aquatic Ecology, Spatial Ecology, and Microplastic Analysis.
• A National Centre for River Research (NCRR) was established to provide scientific data and evidence‑based policy support for river management.
• A special Dolphin Rescue Ambulance was introduced to protect the Ganga Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica), India’s National Aquatic Animal.
• The Indian Skimmer Conservation Programme was initiated to safeguard the rare bird Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis).
• Together, these projects strengthen scientific monitoring, flagship species protection, and holistic river ecosystem health under NMCG.

Question:

Q.1 The Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre (ALCMC) was launched at which institution?
a) National Institute of Hydrology, Roorkee
b) Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun
c) Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru
d) Forest Research Institute, Dehradun

Answer: b) The ALCMC was launched at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, a key research body under the Ministry of Environment.