Ankita Sarmah Bordoloi

Ankita Bordoloi is a biodiversity advocate from Guwahati, Assam, working at the intersection of river conservation, youth engagement, and community awareness. Growing up along the Brahmaputra River, her early exposure to rising pollution and biodiversity loss led her to begin volunteering with local NGOs and NSS at Cotton University, shaping her commitment to grassroots environmental action.

Her work centers on protecting the endangered Gangetic River Dolphin (locally known as Xihu), a keystone species of Assam’s aquatic ecosystems. Through mobilizing local youth and engaging riverine communities, Ankita blends science with storytelling to advocate for clean rivers and sustainable practices.

She led the *Saving the Xihu* initiative, engaging over 400 people and mobilizing 250+ youth through creative awareness sessions, nukkad naatak, and community outreach. She also conceptualized and led Assam’s first-ever *Xihu Festival* at Cotton University, bringing together students, experts, government representatives, and artists through panels, screenings, and performances.

She has also represented youth voices at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), strengthening her role in linking grassroots action with global environmental discourse. Her work is transforming river conservation into a people-led movement, fostering long-term stewardship for resilient ecosystems.