Sandbar-Nesting Birds in Ganga Basin

The Government has approved a first-of-its-kind conservation project to protect breeding habitats of sandbar-nesting birds in the Ganga basin.

About the News

• The decision was taken in the 68th Executive Committee meeting of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) in New Delhi.

About the Project to Protect Sandbar-Nesting Birds in Ganga Basin

• Primary Objectives: Protect and conserve breeding habitats (sandbars and islands) for endangered sandbar-nesting birds.
• • Focus on long-term monitoring, community participation, and evidence-based conservation.
  • Reduce human disturbance to sensitive nesting sites.
  • Enhance overall river-related faunal biodiversity.
• Target Species: Primary focus: Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis)
  • Includes other sandbar-nesting species such as Black-bellied Tern, River Tern, River Lapwing, and Great Thick-knee.
• Location: Nest Monitoring will continue in existing sites (Chambal River and Lower Ganga stretches); new initiation in Bijnor, Narora, and Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh).

What are Sandbar-Nesting Birds?

• Sandbar-nesting birds are riverine bird species that lay their eggs and raise chicks on exposed sandbars formed within rivers during low-water seasons.
• Key Features: Nest on open, flat sand deposits in river channels. No constructed nests—eggs laid directly on sand.
• In India, they are found along major rivers such as the Ganga River, Yamuna, Chambal, and Brahmaputra
  • They prefer wide, braided river stretches with minimal vegetation
• Examples of Sandbar-Nesting Birds:
  • Indian Skimmer
  • River Tern
  • Little Tern
  • Black-bellied Tern

National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)

• The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is the implementing authority for the Namami Gange Programme.
• It functions under the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation).
• Backed by the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, giving it statutory powers for river protection.
• Objectives: 
  • Abatement of pollution in the Ganga river.
  • Rejuvenation and conservation of the river ecosystem.
  • Ensure sustainable and continuous flow (Aviral & Nirmal Dhara).
• Institutional Structure: Governing Council chaired by the Prime Minister. Executive Committee chaired by the Director General, NMCG.

Check Out UPSC CSE Books

Visit PW Store

DOWNLOAD PDF