Conservation planning for the Ganga River: a policy conundrum

River conservation planning is complicated by its inherent connectivity, variations in habitat features and difficulties in conserving entire rivers. Economic and social constraints in human-dominated river systems, such as the Ganga, further complicate planning. A multistage systemic analysis was performed to identify policy gaps and recommend the most suitable conservation strategy for the Ganga. A critical review of Indian legislation impacting the Ganga was carried out to examine conservation issues from a policy perspective. Thereafter, existing conservation planning approaches were reviewed to identify the most strategic option. The analysis suggests that the disregard for river connectivity, lack of protection, and incoherent sectoral policies hinder river conservation in India. Strategic prioritisation and zonation of the Ganga along the principles of prohibition, restriction and regulated resource use and creation of ‘optimal sites’ for biodiversity conservation under multiple management zones was recommended. Improving institutional design and capacity would enhance sectoral coordination and policy integration.