Published: 21 January 2026General
BNHS Launches Indian Skimmer Conservation Project Under National Mission for Clean Ganga
The Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) launched a community-led conservation project on January 13, 2026, under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (Namami Gange) to protect the endangered Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) and its nesting habitats across the Ganga river basin. The Indian Skimmer is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List with an estimated global population of 3,700-4,400 individuals, roughly 2,450-2,900 mature individuals, predominantly found along the major rivers of the Indian subcontinent.
The conservation project will undertake systematic monitoring of all known nesting sites along the Ganga, Yamuna, and Chambal rivers, deploy community-based protection teams during the breeding season from February to May, and develop comprehensive habitat management plans in collaboration with state forest departments and local fishing communities. The project also includes awareness programmes for riverbed communities to minimise disturbance to nesting colonies.
The Indian Skimmer is particularly vulnerable because it nests on exposed sandbars and riverine islands that are threatened by sand mining, water level fluctuations from hydroelectric projects, human encroachment, and predation by feral dogs. Climate change-induced alterations in monsoon patterns and river flow regimes have further reduced suitable nesting habitat. The BNHS project represents the first dedicated species-specific conservation initiative under Namami Gange, which has primarily focused on water quality improvement and sewage treatment since its launch in 2014. The project will run for three years with funding from the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
0
6-axis classification
CoverageNationalTypeProjectSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · Both
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
Linked questionMedium
The BNHS launched a conservation project for which endangered bird species under the National Mission for Clean Ganga?
Explanation · Correct answer BThe Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) launched a conservation project under the National Mission for Clean Ganga to protect endangered Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) nesting habitats in the Ganga Basin.
Frequently asked questions
What is the BNHS Indian Skimmer Conservation Project and why was it launched?
The **Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)** launched the **Indian Skimmer Conservation Project** under the **National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)**. The **Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis)** is a **Critically Endangered** bird species in India, classified as **Vulnerable** on the IUCN Red List. The project aims to protect its nesting sites along the Chambal, Ganga, and Yamuna rivers and study its declining population.
What is an Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) and what threats does it face?
The **Indian Skimmer** is a distinctive waterbird with an elongated **lower mandible** that skims water surface to catch fish — giving it the name 'skimmer'. It nests on **sandy riverbanks** of the Chambal, Ganga, and Mahanadi rivers. **Threats** include: sand mining destroying nesting sites, riverbank encroachment, fishing pressure, water hyacinth proliferation, and increased boat traffic. Its population has declined to a few hundred nesting pairs.
What is the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and what biodiversity projects does it support?
The **National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)** under the **Namami Gange Programme** not only addresses water quality but also supports **biodiversity conservation** along the Ganga basin. Projects include Indian Skimmer conservation (BNHS), **Gangetic River Dolphin** protection (WWF-India), **gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)** conservation in Chambal, freshwater turtle surveys, and wetland bird monitoring — recognizing the river as an ecosystem, not just a water resource.
What is BNHS and what is its role in Indian wildlife conservation?
The **Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS)**, founded in **1883**, is one of India's oldest and most prestigious natural history organizations. It conducts ornithological surveys, wildlife research, and conservation programs. BNHS manages the **Sálim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON)** work, publishes the **Handbook of Birds of India and Pakistan**, and has documented over 1,200 bird species. It partners with government bodies and international conservation organizations.
What other critically endangered bird species in India need conservation attention similar to Indian Skimmer?
Several Indian bird species face similar conservation challenges: **Great Indian Bustard (Critically Endangered)** — under Project GIB in Rajasthan/Gujarat, **Sociable Lapwing (Critically Endangered)** — migratory, **Bengal Florican (Critically Endangered)** — in Brahmaputra floodplains, **Spoon-billed Sandpiper (Critically Endangered)** — migratory shorebird, and **Jerdon's Courser (Critically Endangered)** — nocturnal bird. All face habitat loss and require targeted conservation programs similar to the **BNHS Indian Skimmer project**.
