02-05-2025
Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle All Set To Make Comeback In Ganga As UP Govt Starts Campaign
Reported By : Oliver Fredrick
Last Updated: May 02, 2025, 16:45 IST
Officials said that strict protocols are being followed while translocating the turtles. (News18)
Once considered lost from the Ganga basin and bracketed among Asia's most endangered freshwater turtle species, the red-crowned roofed turtle (batagur kachua) is all set to make a historic comeback in Uttar Pradesh.
In a first-of-its-kind initiative, the state government, in collaboration with Namami Gange and the India Turtle Conservation Program (ITCP), has reintroduced the species into the river Ganges, marking a major milestone in India's efforts to revive critically endangered aquatic wildlife. CAREFULLY PLANNED REINTRODUCTION IN PROTECTED SITES
The turtles—ten males and ten females aged between two and three—were released in two ecologically strategic sites: upstream in the Haiderpur Wetland and downstream in the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary.
'We have relocated 20 turtles after selecting them carefully based on health, sex, and morphometric characteristics. This is a scientifically significant reintroduction effort and the first of its kind in India for this species," said Rajesh Kumar, Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), Meerut Range, while calling the move a landmark achievement. MONITORING THROUGH SONIC TRANSMITTERS
Officials engaged in the programme told News18 each turtle has been equipped with a sonic transmitter attached to its shell. 'These devices will allow conservationists to track the animals' movements and behaviour in real time. The data we collect from these transmitters will help us understand how the turtles adapt to their new environment, what challenges they face, and how to make future reintroductions even more effective," told Arunima Singh, a senior biologist with the India Turtle Conservation Program, who has been working on turtle conservation for over a decade. A RARE AND VANISHING SPECIES
Officials and experts engaged in the programme said that the red-crowned roofed turtle, once widespread across the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems, now survives in the wild only in the Chambal River, where fewer than 300 individuals remain. Although historically reported in Nepal and Bangladesh, no confirmed sightings have been recorded in those countries in recent decades. 'Listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List, the species is also recognised among the Top 50 Most Endangered Tortoises and Freshwater Turtles in Asia," the official added. PROCESS OF TRANSLOCATION
Officials said that strict protocols are being followed while translocating the turtles. 'We are following the process that is internationally accepted translocation guidelines. Initially, we have released a batch of 30 turtles in river Ganges. The conservation teams have ensured that the turtles were well-hydrated, stress-free, and transported at night to avoid daytime heat exposure. The release was conducted in the early morning hours of April 26, 2025," said Dr Ashish, one of the lead veterinarians involved in the project. LOCAL PARTICIPATION AND PUBLIC AWARENESS
Besides, the conservators also ensured that the reintroduction event was not just a scientific operation, but also a celebration of community-driven conservation. Local villagers, school students, and religious leaders (sadhus) gathered along the riverbank to witness the turtles' return to the Ganga. 'Our lives are deeply interwoven with nature. It is everyone's collective responsibility to safeguard it. We encouraged the younger generation to embrace environmental stewardship and build a lifelong relationship with wildlife," said DFO Rajesh Kumar.
'This is not just about one turtle species. This is about creating resilient ecosystems and reconnecting communities with their natural heritage," said Sonia Dheeman, another key member of the ITCP team.
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Officials said that the reintroduction of batagur kachuga into the Ganga, which is being hailed as a blueprint for similar conservation efforts across the country is expected to help in gathering the data that will help in the revival of other endangered freshwater species.
As the last turtle gently disappeared beneath the rippling surface of the Ganga, a collective sense of hope resonated among those present. This moment was more than just a conservation milestone—for them it was just a beginning. News india Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle All Set To Make Comeback In Ganga As UP Govt Starts Campaign
