In his address to the nation on occasion of India’s 74th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the launch of two key projects i.e. Project Dolphin and Asiatic Lions. The projects will be launched soon with an aim to conserve these endangered species.
India has shown the way when it comes to ensuring a healthy balance between quick development and care for environment.
In the coming days, Project Lion and Project Dolphins will cater to creating better environments for the majestic Lion and Dolphins. #AatmaNirbharBharat pic.twitter.com/0jiNRwRNCc
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 15, 2020
Talking about the project PM Modi said, “The Project Dolphin will be launched for protecting ocean and Gangetic dolphin. This will also be significant in strengthening biodiversity, create employment opportunities and also help to attract tourism.”
Project Dolphin
Designed on the lines of ‘Project Tiger’ and ‘Project Elephant’, the project Dolphin aims to give a stronger impetus for conservation of the aquatic mammals. The ten-year long Project Dolphin is led by Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar. According to the environment ministry, the project envisions addressing conservation concerns and empowering the stakeholders such as the river-dependent population in reducing the pollution and allowing sustainable fishery and river-based other livelihood options through scientifically oriented conservation methods.
The Gangetic river dolphin is a species of freshwater dolphins primarily found in the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries in India, Bangladesh and Nepal.In India, these dolphins are sighted in long deep river reaches in Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
There are around 3700 Gangetic River Dolphins in Indian River systems, according to official figures. As river dolphins act as indicators of healthy river ecosystems, their conservation would also ensure controlling river pollution and improving the availability of fishes and enhancing economies of local communities through sustainable fishery, the ministry said. They were declared National Aquatic Species in 2010.
Asiatic Lion Conservation Project
The Asiatic Lion Conservation Project would involve conservation of the Asiatic Lion, and its landscape. Shedding details on the Asiatic Lions project, a MoEFCC spokesperson said, “The project will entail habitat development by engaging modern technologies in management and addressing the issue of diseases in lion and its associated species through advanced world-class research and veterinary care.”
The project was launched in the NDA’s first term with a budgetary contribution of Rs 97.85 crore from Central Government.
