VISION PLANTSA FOUNDATION INDIA2030
ABOUT TSA FOUNDATION INDIATSA Foundation India (TSAFI) pioneers the longest-running and most species- diverse aquatic biology and conservation programs across the vast Ganga and Brahmaputra riverscapes. We strive to advance state-of-the-art research, wildlife rescue, and community outreach. By bringing freshwater turtles and lesser-known aquatic wildlife—such as river dolphins, gharials, and wetland birds—along with their critical habitats to the forefront, TSAFI is rewriting the conservation map of the country. Beyond field science, TSAFI actively educates policymakers on threatened wildlife resources and delivers necessary ground-level support to conserve them. In proud partnership with the Government of India and eight State Forest Departments, the foundation spearheads ten major flagship projects across iconic landscapes including the National Chambal Sanctuary, the Terai Arc Landscape, Kaziranga National Park, and the Sundarbans Tiger Reserve. At these strategic regional centers, we integrate dynamic in-situ conservation, secure assurance colonies, and intensive conservation breeding programs. This document celebrates the landmark conservation achievements of the foundation over the past decade (2016–2025) and charts an ambitious, science- backed roadmap for the next five years. Looking toward 2030, we stand ready to expand our reach, safeguarding more riparian wildlife taxa and empowering the human communities that depend on them. Commited to Conserving India's Freshwater Ecosystem
C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C TOVER 90% Average Hatching Success Rear-and-Release facililty established10000+ Community Members Engaged INR 2.17 CrExpand Batagur Nest Protection beyond Uttar Pradesh into Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, creating a unified Chambal Tri-State Conservation Corridor with standardized nest patrolling and protection protocols (SoPs) to safeguard 1,000 Batagur eggs annually. (currently 250+) Establish a state-of-the-art SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) laboratory, as a central hub for real-time monitoring and conservation management in all three states. Scale up Nest Protection to include other threatened freshwater turtles, like Indian Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle. Establish a Conservation Breeding Centre and initiate a scientifically backed assurance breeding programme for Red-crowned Roofed Turtle in the middle/ Upper Chambal landscape. Establish a satellite population of the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle into suitable historical habitats to restore former populations and strengthen the species' long-term recovery. 1.REVIVING BATAGUR POPULATION ACROSS THE CHAMBAL RIVER SYSTEMSECURING ONE NEST AT A TIMENational Chambal Sanctuary is one of the last strongholds of the CR Red-crowned Roofed Turtle and Three striped Roofed turtle. Protecting their nests today ensures the survival of these magnificent species.7,5001,50,000 Eggs Protected1,50,0001 Batagur kachuga reintroduced into the Ganga RiverVISION 2030 NATIONAL CHAMBAL SANCTUARY & UPPER GANGA Nest Protected over the years Hatchlings safely returned Budget Potential Collaborators Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh, MP Biodiversity Board, Indian School of Nature, Chambal SafariPC Kunal Jain20
ALONG GHAGHRA-SARYU RIVER SYSTEM 2.PARTICIPATORY TURTLE CONSERVATION35+ Women empowered through handicrafts training from sustainable materials like water hyacinth and munjh grassExpand the existing Turtle School into an experiential learning center for children from fishing communities integrating formal education (through NIOS) with aquatic ecology, traditional river knowledge, and freshwater biodiversity conservation. Establish a Bycatch Mitigation Task Force by training local fishers to safely disentangle and release turtles from fishing nets through standardized protocols and a micro- incentive program. Strengthen India–Nepal Transboundary Conservation across the Terai Arc Landscape through joint surveys, habitat connectivity assessments, information sharing, and coordinated management. Facilitate the declaration of Katraghat stretch of Sarju river as Turtle Conservation Reserve (a globally, largest known habitat of Crowned River Turtle). Establish a Community Livelihood Centre to empower 10 Women's Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and three fishing communities around the proposed Turtle Conservation Reserve through skill development, entrepreneurship training, seed funding, and sustainable livelihood enterprises such as water hyacinth handicrafts, eco-tourism, and other river- friendly businesses. C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T River stretch protected by cancellation of commercial fishing lease PROTECTING TURTLES EMPOWERING COMMUNITIESA landscape-scale initiative dedicated to protecting the rich freshwater turtle diversity of the Sarju River within the Terai Arc Landscape, combining long-term scientific monitoring with community-led conservation, nest protection, education, sustainable livelihood interventions, and capacity building. 3000+10 Individuals of Crowned river turtle tagged to understand their home range22500+29 HAVISION 2030 FW Turtles tagged as a part of standalone population monitoringStudents reached through Cluster level school education program Budget Potential Collaborators Forest Department Uttar Pradesh, Education Department, District Administration and local NGO- Nature Club Foundation INR 2.20 Cr G O N D A & B A H R A I C H , U P
3.COUNTERING ILLEGAL71 Women from trade-prone communities trained in alternative livelihood skills Establish a world-class Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre with aquatic quarantine facilities, veterinary surgical suites, and naturalistic recovery ponds for rescued wildlife. Develop a Virtual Reality Training Programme for Forest Departments, Special Task Forces, Customs, and Border Security Forces to strengthen wildlife crime detection, species identification, and handling of confiscated turtles. Develop a National Genetic Database of Indian freshwater turtles to trace the geographical origin of confiscated specimens and identify poaching hotspots. Develop Transboundary SOPs with neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh and Nepal for the safe, scientific, and legally compliant repatriation of trafficked turtles. Establish a Centralized Seizure Database integrating photographs, DNA profiles, and origin records to track illegal trade routes, support repatriation, and strengthen wildlife crime investigations Establish India's first Star Tortoise Conservation Village in Rajasthan through community stewardship. TURTLE TRADE IN INDIA C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T Mobile application developed to report turtle confiscation & provide info on TFT’s2COMBATING WILDLIFE CRIME TO PROTECT INDIA'S REPTILES Illegal harvesting and trafficking continue to threaten India's freshwater turtles, tortoises, and other reptiles. This initiative combines scientific expertise, law enforcement partnerships, intelligence gathering, training, and community engagement to strengthen wildlife crime prevention, enhance rescue and rehabilitation efforts. 45000+20000+ Rehabilitated turtles safely released into suitable natural habitats3000+ 1VISION 2030 Turtles rescued, rehabilitated and managed during confiscation Frontline enforcement personnel trained in trade-prone regions, creating the "Turtle Brigade Budget Potential Collaborators Forest Department Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, WCCB, Department of Revenue Intelligence , Govt. Railway Police, Police Department INR 6.94 Cr UTTAR PRADESH & WEST BENGAL
500+Frontline forest staff and veterinarians trained in dolphin rescue 4.ADVANCING RESCUE SYSTEM FOR GANGES RIVER DOLPHIN C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T Sharda Sahayak canal surveyed to assess potential entry routes and “safe passage” pathways. Establish Dedicated Dolphin Rescue Ambulances in Bihar and West Bengal to strengthen rapid response and rescue capacity across the Ganga basin. Expand the Soons-Saathi (Dolphin Friend) Network to 500 trained citizen volunteers for community-led monitoring and early reporting of stranded aquatic wildlife. Scale Up Monitoring across the Sarju and Rapti Canal Systems to improve surveillance, rapid response, and conservation outcomes for aquatic fauna. Implement Satellite Telemetry to track the post-release movement, habitat use, and survival of rescued Ganges river dolphins, informing evidence-based conservation strategies. Deploy Acoustic Deterrent Technology at strategic canal entry points to reduce accidental entry of Ganges river dolphins into irrigation canals and minimize stranding incidents. Development of real time stranding application to instantly report dolphin strandings. The app will trigger automated GPS alerts to the rescue team.2RAPID RESPONSE FOR RIVER GIANTS FROM STRANDING TO SURVIVALThe initiative aims to establish an integrated emergency response network for stranded river dolphins across the Ganga basin. By combining real-time reporting technology, trained rescue teams, innovative mitigation measures, and collaborative management with government agencies and local communities. 451 Developed first ever ambulance for GRD rescue100+200+ KMVISION 2030 Ganges River Dolphins rescued since 2013 Trained Soons-Saathi volunteers and citizen science network for timely reporting Budget Potential Collaborators Forest Department Uttar Pradesh, Bihar & West Bengal, Irrigation Department INR 2.38 Cr UTTAR PRADESH, BIHAR & WEST BENGAL
5.ADVANCING RESEARCH & MONITORING FORGHARIAL CONSERVATION20,000+ Community members sensitized through education and awareness programProtect Gharial nesting habitats and establish a head-start facility ialong Ghaghra, while implementing nest protection, fisheries bycatch mitigation, and long-term monitoring to improve hatchling and juvenile recruitment along the Ghaghara River. Conduct thermal infrared drone surveys during early morning and dusk along predefined 5– 10 km river transects to improve detection, abundance estimation, and monitoring of basking Gharials. Deploy underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) equipped with 4K cameras and sonar to detect submerged Gharials and monitor underwater behaviour and habitat use in deep pools and backwaters. Monitor the survival, dispersal, and habitat use of 10 captive-reared Gharials released annually from conservation breeding facilities using long-term satellite telemetry to evaluate reintroduction success and inform adaptive management. Upgrade village-based Interpretation Centres into modern Aquatic Wildlife Interpretation Centres with interactive displays, species models, and educational resources to strengthen conservation awareness, community stewardship, and public participation in aquatic wildlife conservation. C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T Stretch of Ghaghara river monitored for monitoring Gharial survival & movement2SCIENCE FOR GHARIAL RECOVERY HABITATS TO POPULATION APPROACH Protecting the Gharial requires safeguarding the dynamic river habitats on which it depends. Through habitat mapping, river health assessments, and collaborative management with government agencies, the project identifies and secures priority nesting sandbanks, deep-water refuges, and critical river stretches while promoting sustainable river-use practices. 132800 Gharials reintroduced into the Ghaghra (Greater Saryu) River between 2014 and 2024.10200 KMVISION 2030 Gharials rescued & rehabilitated Gharials fitted with radio transmitters to monitor the survival and movement of reintroduced individuals. Budget Potential Collabortors Forest Department Uttar Pradesh, local communities, Vantara INR 3.39Cr U T T A R P R A D E S H
6.RECOVERING INDIA'S MOST ENDANGERED TURTLE NORTHERN RIVER TERRAPIN12 Individuals rescued to form founder colony initiating conservation breedingFormalize a network of local fishermen and honey-gatherers as Baska Mitras (Friends of Baska). Provide them with smartphones and a dedicated app to report sightings, accidental by catch, or nesting signs in the remote mangroves. Build a Livelihood Enhancement Facility cum community centre in the Sundarbans offering training in climate-resilient livelihoods (e.g., sustainable apiculture, crab farming, homestays) to reduce reliance on illegal fishing in critical Batagur habitats. Construct a specialized, High-Tech Incubation & Temp-Control Centre, a cyclone-resistant breeding facility to feature precision temperature-controlled incubation chambers (critical for TSD) and advanced water-filtration systems to manage the complex brackish water requirements of the species. Reintroduction 20 Satellite tagged Batagur baska for survival and dispersal. C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T Sensitized through education and awareness program2 CONSERVATION BREEDING TO REWILDING RECOVERING A LOST RIVER GIANT An initiative dedicated to restoring one of the world's rarest freshwater turtles across its historic coastal and estuarine landscapes. By integrating conservation breeding, habitat restoration, monitoring, community stewardship, and strategic reintroductions, the aim is to rebuild self-sustaining wild populations of the Critically Endangered Northern River Terrapin. 900+20 Individuals of B.baska rewilded with transmitters87815000+VISION 2030 Eggs protected over the years Hatchlings maintained at seven satellite facilities in Sundarban Tiger Reserve Budget Potential Collabortors Forest Department West Bengal, Sundarban Tiger Reserve INR 3.80 Cr S U N D A R B A N T I G E R R E S E R V E
International and National Subject experts engaged in training sessions 7.INSTITUTE OF AQUATIC WILDLIFE BIOLOGY & CONSERVATION L U C K N O W C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T25+ Riverine landscape covered across several field sessions Partner with a premier Indian university to build a dedicated physical wing for Aquatic Biology Study and Trainings, featuring wet labs, libraries, lecture halls and hands on training areas to advance multidisciplinary research in aquatic ecology, conservation genetics, telemetry, and freshwater ecology. Launch intensive, 3 to 6 month immersive residential courses for early to mid-career researchers, foresters, and veterinary students in topics as freshwater biology, field methods, statistical modelling, policy drafting, and community related. Shorter (1–2 week) hands-on as well as online courses for rangers and other enforcement on aquatic species handling, rescue, and legal processes such as modules on “aquatic wildlife crimes” and a “fake trade mock trial” to sensitize law- enforcement. Establish a think-tank within the school dedicated to drafting White Papers and policy briefs for the MoEFCC and Ministry of Jal Shakti.2ADVANCING SCIENCE & INNOVATION FOR FRESHWATER CONSERVATIONThe Institute of Aquatic Biology and Conservation will serve as a national centre of excellence for research, innovation, education, and capacity building, delivering science-based solutions to conserve freshwater biodiversity, restore river ecosystems, and secure the future of India's rivers and wetlands. 9168 Students benefitted through School in Aquatic Wildlife Biology and Conservation60+8VISION 2030 Annual Schools conducted along Gangetic Basin Participants currently employed or engaged in field based programs Budget Potential Collabortors Government Recognised Universities (AMU and BBAU), Forest Department Uttar Pradesh, ISN, RSAC, regional NGOs INR 7.67 Cr
8.BUILDING COMMUNITY ECONOMIC RESILIENCE THROUGH PARTICIPATORY CONSERVATION COMMUNITIES FOR CONSERVATION BUILDING RESILIENT RURAL LANDSCAPES50+ Local Youth and Women leaders trained to drive conservation through sustainable businessesLandscape-Specific Production Hubs in four high-priority conservation landscapes with 1–2 focal villages per landscape where State-of-the-Art Livelihood Training and Production Centre will serve as the physical and operational heart of community enterprise. Develop 3 to 4 premium, flagship products across the chosen landscapes, and establish an innovative Village Identifier (VI), analogous to a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, to certify that a product is ecologically sustainable, authentically crafted in that specific village, and directly funds local conservation. Drive a targeted economic shift where at least 50% (aiming for 100% long- term) of the focal village total income is generated through these products and introduce a novel Village GDP metric, explicitly measuring economic upliftment derived directly from sustainable, conservation-aligned livelihoods. Upgrade the Community Souvenir Store into a sustainable retail outlet to market and sell community-produced handicrafts, creating long-term livelihood opportunities and a reliable income source. C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T Income generated through test models as a measurable shift towards conservation-based local economy2 The project aims to strengthen biodiversity conservation by building self-sustaining, nature-positive rural economies across priority conservation landscapes through community- led enterprise hubs, and innovative conservation-linked livelihoods to generate long-term economic prosperity and stewardship for wildlife and ecosystems. 0405+ Communities supported to transition towards sustainable enterprises that directly benefit conservation031.0 L+VISION 2030 Landscapes demonstrating scalable, community-led models across priority conservation landscapes Premium, conservation-certified products identified with strong local identity and market value Budget Potential Collabortors State Forest Departments, State Rural Livelihood Missions (SRLMs), District administrations and Panchayati Raj Institutions INR 1.18 Cr UTTAR PRADESH, ASSAM, WEST BENGAL
INR 2.60 cr for five years 9.BLACK SOFTSHELL TURTLE RECOVERY PROGRAMME ALONG ASSAM'S NORTH BANK LANDSCAPE20+ Assamese weavers empowered through the KASO SAKHI initiative, creating turtle-themed Gamochas Overhaul at least two major temple ponds using natural bio-filtration, floating wetlands, native fish stocking, and aerators to restore water quality and natural basking banks, prioritizing the biological needs of the turtles over aesthetics. Build state-of-the-art, climate-controlled incubation rooms directly on temple grounds for safe, and immediate transfer of eggs from muddy banks into secure, monitored environments, drastically increasing hatching success. Innovative Community-Led Conservation Models to transition the religious reverence for the turtle into actionable conservation such as ‘Sacred Release Annual Festival’ where temple-reared hatchlings are ceremonially released into wild, protected oxbow lakes (beels) by religious leaders andthe community. Develop ATDC leased facility into Assam Turtle Centre C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T Community members, temple authorities, and tourists sensitized2FROM SACRED POND TO WILD RIVERS REVIVING A LIVING RELIC The Black Softshell Turtle Recovery Project is dedicated to securing the future of the Critically Endangered Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) across Assam's ecologically rich North Bank Landscape combining scientific research, habitat conservation, community engagement, rescue and rehabilitation efforts. 2100845 Individuals reintroduced into suitable habitats across the Brahmaputra floodplains320 KM+40000+VISION 2030 Black Softshells eggs protected for conservation breeding Extensive river and wetland surveys conducted to identify critical habitats and monitor turtle populations Budget Potential Collabortors Forest Department Assam, Kaziranga National Park, Temple Committees, Help Earth NGO, Assam Toursim Development Co. A S S A M , T R I P U R A
10.RECOVERING ASIAN GIANT TORTOISE IN NORTH EAST15 Tortoises rescued from local village for conservation breedingExpand Conservation Breeding to maintain 100 genetically healthy founder individuals across three conservation centres, supported by standardized husbandry protocols and improved breeding facilities. Restore Wild Populations by identifying 8–10 priority release sites, deploying 20 GPS/VHF- tagged tortoises annually, and reintroducing 500 captive-bred individuals into suitable habitats across Northeast India. Strengthen Wildlife Health & Husbandry through establishment of a regional wildlife health facility, standardized veterinary protocols, and dedicated hatchling and juvenile rearing to maximize survival and post-release fitness. Empower Local Communities by strengthening conservation partnerships in three states, expanding sustainable livelihood programs, and training to 200 community members and frontline staff in habitat protection, rescue, and monitoring. Build a Regional Conservation Network by connecting three breeding centres, conducting three specialized capacity-building programmes, and implementing unified conservation protocols to support landscape-scale recovery across Northeast India. C O N S E R V A T I O N I M P A C T Hatchlings obtained through establishment of two breeding colonies2REWILDING THE ASIAN TORTOISE LANDSCAPE APPROACH TO RECOVERY The initiative adopts a landscape-scale approach to recover one of Northeast India's most threatened forest reptiles by integrating conservation breeding, scientific monitoring, habitat protection, community stewardship, and strategic reintroductions, with an aim to restore self-sustaining wild populations of the Endangered Asian Giant Tortoise. 2120 Tortoises rewilded with transmitters3000+100+VISION 2030 Nest Protected over the years Frontline enforcement personnel trained in trade-prone areas Budget Potential Collabortors Forest Department & Zoological Gardens of Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Vantara INR 2.3 Cr N A G A L A N D , M I Z O R A M , M A N I P U R
Project Management Gantt Chart No. Project Name 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 1. Reviving Batagur population across the Chambal River system 2. Participatory Turtle Conservation Along Ghaghra-Saryu River system 3. Countering Illegal Turtle Trade in India 4. Advancing Rescue System for Ganges River dolphin 5. Advancing Research & Monitoring for Gharial Conservation 6. Recovering India's Most Endangered Turtle Northern River Terrapin 7. Institute for Aquatic Wildlife Biology and Conservation 8. Building Community Economic Resilience through Participatory Conservation 9. Black Softshell Turtle Recovery Programme Assam's North Bank Landscape 10. Recovering Asian Giant Tortoise in North east
TSAFI Registered under Ministry of Corporate Affairs, Government of India under section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 CIN No.-74999UP2016NPL087664 NGO Darpan ID-UP/2017/0115308. Valid 12A and 80G Registration Valid FCRA Certificate CSR-1 Registered Entity Legal Status & Statutory Compliance www.indianturtles.org tsafoundationindia@gmail.com +91 05224001167