Speed Post News Network
New Delhi : The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), along with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), its project partner in the ‘Biodiversity Conservation Initiative Phase II’, celebrated World Turtle Day on May 23, 2020, through a Webinar which was widely attended.
Rajiv Ranjan Mishra, Director General, NMCG, Dr Dhananjai Mohan, Director WII, school children, NMCG and WII team members and Ganga Praharis from the five Ganga States and Ganga Prahari mentors participated in the online celebration.
In his special message to the team on World Turtle Day, Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat said, “Biodiversity is an essential part of Indian Culture and understanding the importance of Turtles, they have been worshipped in our culture from time immemorial.’ He added, “Turtles have been cleaning our water resources and they don’t charge us for doing that job. In order to conserve them and other wildlife, NMCG has taken up several initiatives including establishing conservation centers and creating public awareness about the subject.”
Information about the Ganga Quest quiz, the last date of which has been extended to May 30, 2020, was also shared with the participants to maximize the participation of people from different parts of the world. Mishra said, ‘The Ganga Quest quiz is not only a very interesting competition but also a means to create awareness and associate people with the Ganga.’
On the occasion, winners of the World Turtle Day painting, slogan writing and essay competitions which were conducted using the online platform, were announced. Children from different parts of India and abroad participated in this online competition.
To mark the day, a Children’s story book on turtles, “Bin Vetanke Kare Safai” was released by Shekhawat. This book covers facts about turtles in an interesting story-telling manner. Shekhawat appreciated the innovatively written book which highlights the importance of turtles in maintaining the river ecosystem and appealed to all to contribute to conservation of turtles in our river systems. The Webinar also saw a poster story on Interesting Facts on Turtles for Children being played.
A documentary on “Turtles of Ganga River Basin” was also showcased for the participants This documentary is made to make people aware about various type of turtles found in the Ganga River, according to a PIB release.
In his address, Mishra appreciated the efforts of WII and Ganga Praharis for their active participation in making people aware of conservation of Biodiversity. He also appealed to all to come forward and join hands for the conservation of turtles and the biodiversity of the river Ganga. Dr Mohan talked about the significance of celebrating Turtle Day and the role of Ganga Praharis in their conservation.