The Lower Sarju River originates from a swampy area close to Nanpara town of Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border. This 205km river hasbeen recognized as a key turtle conservation habitat in the Tarai Arc Landscape representing over 30 percent of the species of freshwater turtles and tortoises found in India. Unabated dumping of religious discard, household wastes and discharge has adversely impacted the ecology of the river at the two important sites (Katraghat and Golwaghat). Furthermore, waste dumping, industrial discharges, proposed developmental projects involving large scale dredging, and a disregard for environmental impacts by governing agencies has further put this river system in jeopardy.. Unfortunately this has not only caused the loss of suitable habitats but has also contributed directly to the mortality of freshwater turtles and fishes.

Turtle Survival Alliance India program has been monitoring the turtle population of this river since 2014. Through long term population monitoring, the above mentioned two sites (Katraghat and Golwaghat) have been recognised as a critical habitat of the largest known population of Crowned River Turtle alongside other important species. Comprehensive public outreach programs are also being run in the hope of reducing detrimental activities to the river and riverine fauna. Participatory conservation approaches as the Sarju River cleanup campaign conducted weekly, a turtle school for marginalised communities and small scale innovative farming initiative with riparian women form part of our long term outreach activities along this important river.

The Lower Sarju River originates from a swampy area close to Nanpara town of Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border. This 205km river hasbeen recognized as a key turtle conservation habitat in the Tarai Arc Landscape representing over 30 percent of the species of freshwater turtles and tortoises found in India. Unabated dumping of religious discard, household wastes and discharge has adversely impacted the ecology of the river at the two important sites (Katraghat and Golwaghat). Furthermore, waste dumping, industrial discharges, proposed developmental projects involving large scale dredging, and a disregard for environmental impacts by governing agencies has further put this river system in jeopardy.. Unfortunately this has not only caused the loss of suitable habitats but has also contributed directly to the mortality of freshwater turtles and fishes.

Turtle Survival Alliance India program has been monitoring the turtle population of this river since 2014. Through long term population monitoring, the above mentioned two sites (Katraghat and Golwaghat) have been recognised as a critical habitat of the largest known population of Crowned River Turtle alongside other important species. Comprehensive public outreach programs are also being run in the hope of reducing detrimental activities to the river and riverine fauna. Participatory conservation approaches as the Sarju River cleanup campaign conducted weekly, a turtle school for marginalised communities and small scale innovative farming initiative with riparian women form part of our long term outreach activities along this important river.

Turtle Survival Alliance India program has been monitoring the turtle population of this river since 2014. Through long term population monitoring, the above mentioned two sites (Katraghat and Golwaghat) have been recognised as a critical habitat of the largest known population of Crowned River Turtle alongside other important species. Comprehensive public outreach programs are also being run in the hope of reducing detrimental activities to the river and riverine fauna. Participatory conservation approaches as the Sarju River cleanup campaign conducted weekly, a turtle school for marginalised communities and small scale innovative farming initiative with riparian women form part of our long term outreach activities along this important river.The Lower Sarju River originates from a swampy area close to Nanpara town of Bahraich district near the Indo-Nepal border. This 205km river hasbeen recognized as a key turtle conservation habitat in the Tarai Arc Landscape representing over 30 percent of the species of freshwater turtles and tortoises found in India. Unabated dumping of religious discard, household wastes and discharge has adversely impacted the ecology of the river at the two important sites (Katraghat and Golwaghat). Furthermore, waste dumping, industrial discharges, proposed developmental projects involving large scale dredging, and a disregard for environmental impacts by governing agencies has further put this river system in jeopardy.. Unfortunately this has not only caused the loss of suitable habitats but has also contributed directly to the mortality of freshwater turtles and fishes.