Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – In a unique initiative to spread awareness about the ecological, historical, and cultural significance of the Ganga River, the Uttar Pradesh government has established the “Ganga Darpan” Interpretation Centre in Sarnath. Developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) under the Namami Gange programme and in partnership with the State Forest Department, the centre is emerging as a landmark for ecological education and heritage conservation.
Since its inception in 2019, “Ganga Darpan” has drawn over 20,000 domestic and international visitors, offering them a deeper understanding of the Ganga River’s biodiversity, journey, and spiritual relevance. The centre integrates advanced visual tools such as 3D models, interactive kiosks, QR codes, and digital panels to provide an immersive educational experience.
Highlighting Ganga’s Biodiversity
One of the major attractions of the centre is a 3D diorama showcasing the aquatic life of the Ganga, which often remains invisible to the human eye. Visitors can explore lifelike models of the Ganges River dolphin, crocodiles, turtles, skimmers, sarus cranes, and otters. The biodiversity exhibit also features over 62 bird species including the Indian Peafowl, Grey Hornbill, Black Drongo, and Brahminy Starling.
Ganga’s Journey and Cultural Heritage
The centre offers a 3D map of the Ganga Basin, tracing the river’s sacred journey from its origin in the Gangotri Glacier to the confluence at Sangam. Key pilgrimage sites, cities, and ecologically protected zones like the Gangotri National Park and Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary are highlighted in this interactive display.
Adding a historical dimension, the centre has panels showcasing Ganga’s cultural importance through the ages — from the Mauryan to the Mughal empires — with references from texts like Ain-i-Akbari and Baburnama.
Interactive Learning Tools
To further enhance learning, the centre provides QR-coded displays and touchscreen kiosks that allow visitors to explore the Ganga’s biodiversity, local heritage, and environmental challenges in greater detail. These interactive tools aim to strengthen public responsibility and community engagement in river conservation.
A Living Model of Conservation
Located near the Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre in Sarnath, the Ganga Darpan Centre is set amidst a naturally vegetated mound, offering a scenic and educational experience. Schoolchildren, researchers, tourists, and conservation enthusiasts have been frequenting the centre, which is fast gaining popularity even among international tourists.
Dr. Ravi Kumar Singh, Chief Conservator of Forests, Varanasi Division, noted, “Ganga Darpan is not just a museum. It’s a dynamic learning space where people can understand the deeper ecological roles of the Ganga and the need to protect her legacy. It reflects the government’s commitment to blend scientific innovation with cultural education.”
As part of the broader vision of the Namami Gange programme and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga, this initiative combines technology and tradition to instill ecological responsibility across generations.
