RESEARCH OUTPUTS OF NATIONAL RIVER RESEARCH CENTRE

**Executive Summary** This report, posted on February 5, 2026, outlines the research outputs of the National Centre for River Research (NCRR) related to the “Assessment of ecological status of select Indian rivers for conservation planning” project. NCRR, working with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), shares its findings with State Governments to inform conservation efforts. The ecological assessment initially covers sixteen rivers and associated wetlands. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Project Overview:** * The NCRR is currently operating in project mode, assigned to WII, Dehradun through NMCG and NRCD. * The project aims to assess the ecological status of selected Indian rivers to aid conservation planning. * **Research Outputs and Scope:** * NCRR generates research outputs on river biodiversity and ecological health, shared with State Governments. * These outputs provide technical and scientific baselines for on-site interventions and policy reforms for river conservation. * The ecological assessment scope currently includes nine rivers in the Ganga Basin and seven rivers in other basins. * The initial phase prioritizes ecological assessment of major rivers and floodplain wetlands across India. * Research includes evaluation of riparian biodiversity, identification of anthropogenic pressures, and mapping of priority stretches for conservation. * The Centre evaluates ecological resilience to understand the long-term impacts of climate change on river ecosystems. * **Coordination and Collaboration:** * Coordination involves State Governments, implementing agencies, academic institutions, and non-governmental organizations. * Coordination mechanisms include regional workshops, consultative meetings, and dissemination of research publications (print and electronic). * Ecological findings are integrated into broader conservation efforts. * The findings and recommendations derived from these studies are shared with State Governments for consideration in their respective rejuvenation and implementation plans. * **Water Quality Monitoring:** * Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), in association with State Pollution Control Boards/Pollution Control Committees, monitors water quality via established networks under the National Water Quality Monitoring Programme. **Impact Analysis** **State Governments** * **Impact:** Affected by research outputs on river biodiversity and ecological health. * **Action Required:** Consider NCRR findings and recommendations in river rejuvenation and implementation plans. **Implementing Agencies** * **Impact:** Involved in collaborative framework to promote conservation efforts. * **Action Required:** Collaborate to maintain coordination and integration of ecological findings into conservation. **Academic Institutions and Non-Governmental Organizations** * **Impact:** Involved in collaborative framework to promote conservation efforts. * **Action Required:** Collaborate to maintain coordination and integration of ecological findings into conservation.

Key Entities Referenced