Namami Gange Mission Revives Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle Population in Ganga After Three Decades

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi — Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Namami Gange Mission has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful reintroduction of the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle to the Ganga River after a gap of three decades. Once among the most endangered species in North India, this turtle’s return symbolizes a significant step in the ongoing efforts to restore the river’s ecology and biodiversity.

On April 26, 2025, the rehabilitation process began with the release of 20 turtles in two separate groups at the Haiderpur Wetland. These turtles have been equipped with tracking devices to monitor their movements and ensure their adaptation to the river's environment.

Union Minister CR Patil highlighted the importance of this achievement, noting, "Moving beyond the cleaning of the Ganga, the Namami Gange Mission, now focused on restoring biodiversity, has become a powerful example of India’s environmental commitment." He emphasized that this reintroduction is not only a triumph for the species but also a testament to the significant progress made in ecological restoration through scientific methods and institutional collaboration.