Govt approves turtle sanctuary in Allahabad

New Delhi: The Centre has approved the setting up of a turtle sanctuary in Allahabad and a river biodiversity park at Triveni Sangam (confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati), an official statement said.

The project, sanctioned by National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), would also include a Turtle Rearing Centre permanent nursery at Triveni Pushp and makeshift annual hatcheries  the statement said.

It will provide a much-needed platform for visitors to learn about their place in the ecosystem, roles and responsibilities, it said.

The central government initiative, estimated to cost Rs 1.34 crore, will also improve people's understanding of the complexity of co-existence with the environment and help generate awareness for reducing the impact of human activities on critical natural resources, the statement asserted.

The sustenance of more than 2000 aquatic species in the Ganga exemplifies the rich biodiversity of the river, lifeline to over 40 per cent of the country's population, the statement added.

Ganga and Yamuna in Allahabad are home to some of the most-endangered turtle species, Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and attracts numerous migratory and resident birds.