Chambal Turtles Become ‘Natural Cleaning Warriors’ of Maa Ganga under ‘Namami Gange’

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav has stated that the state government is making continuous efforts to conserve wildlife and aquatic species by enriching forests and water sources. He stated that the conservation and promotion of various turtle species, especially in clean-water Rivers, will strengthen and balance the aquatic ecosystem. Chief Minister Dr. Yadav said that serving nature and wildlife is true service to God. Initiatives such as the release of turtles and the ongoing cheetah reintroduction efforts will further establish Madhya Pradesh on the global map of wildlife conservation and eco-tourism. He emphasised the importance of turtles in maintaining ecological balance and called for the conservation of water bodies.

Under the Namami Gange Project, endangered turtle species conserved and augmented in the Chambal River are now playing an important role to improve the cleanliness and ecological restoration of Maa Ganga. Due to their natural ability to consume organic waste and decomposed remains, these turtles are regarded as the river’s ‘Natural Cleaning Warriors’.

After the launch of the Namami Gange Project, the initiative to release turtles conserved in the Chambal River into the Ganga was undertaken. As part of this effort, on April 26, 2025, 20 rare Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles (Batagur turtles) from conservation centres in Chambal were released into the Haidarpur Wetland and the main stream of the Ganga in Uttar Pradesh.

‘Aquatic Warriors’ of Ganga Rejuvenation

Rare turtle species such as Batagur and Batagur dhongoka, found in the National Chambal Sanctuary, are considered helpful in cleaning the Ganga and reviving biodiversity. These turtles are being released at various stretches of the river. Under the Namami Gange Project, these rare Chambal turtles have emerged as “aquatic warriors” in the campaign for the rejuvenation of the Ganga. Through their natural cleaning ability, they not only contribute to river cleanliness but also help restore aquatic biodiversity.

How Turtles Help in Natural Cleaning of the Ganga

According to experts, biodiversity in many urban stretches of the Ganga has come under threat due to rising pollution. In such a situation, aquatic species like turtles play a crucial role in the river’s natural cleaning process.

• Carnivorous nature: These turtles consume decomposed organic matter and dead animals present in the river, preventing further pollution of the water.
• Ecological balance: Their presence helps maintain balance in the river’s aquatic ecosystem, improving overall water quality.
• Disposal of organic waste: Turtles help remove biological waste that is often difficult to clean through mechanical means.

Positive Impact on Ganga’s Cleanliness

The turtles released into the Ganga have shown a positive impact on water quality. According to assessments by the Ministry of Jal Shakti and pollution control boards, improvements in water quality have been recorded at several locations.

• Levels of Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Faecal Coliform (FC) have declined.
• At Assi Ghat, FC levels decreased from 2500 MPN/100 mL in 2014 to 790 MPN/100 mL in 2025.
• At Gandhi Ghat, the level declined from 5400 to 2200 MPN/100 mL.
• Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels in most stretches of the Ganga are now above 5.0 mg/l, which is considered suitable for aquatic life.
• A survival rate of over 50 percent of turtles in Haidarpur Wetland is also being viewed as a positive sign of improvement in the river’s ecological health.

Nine Rare Turtle Species Found in Chambal

A total of nine rare species of turtles are found in the Chambal River. Among them, the Batagur turtle is prominent, a freshwater omnivorous species that helps keep the river clean by feeding on aquatic vegetation and dead organisms. Another species, Batagur dhongoka, is popularly known as the “river’s sweeper.” Other rare species found in Chambal include Sal turtle, Dhamok, Chaud, Morpankhi, Kathewa, Pacheda, and the Indian Star turtle.