India’s first river dolphin estimation report, unveiled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the seventh National Wildlife Board meeting at Gir National Park on Monday, has revealed that the country’s rivers are home to 6,327 river dolphins. Uttar Pradesh emerged as the state with the highest population, accounting for nearly 40% of the total, with 2,397 dolphins, according to an official statement.
The report highlighted that Bihar follows closely with 2,220 dolphins, while West Bengal and Assam recorded 815 and 635 dolphins, respectively. The survey covered 28 rivers across eight states, involving 3,150 man-days to monitor over 8,500 km of riverine ecosystems.
UP’s Conservation Efforts Yield Results
The Uttar Pradesh government credited its environmental and wildlife conservation efforts for the state’s significant dolphin population. In a statement, it emphasized its commitment to protecting aquatic life, noting that on October 17, 2023, the Ganges river dolphin was declared the state’s official aquatic animal.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Gangetic dolphins have been identified in major rivers, including the Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ghaghara, Rapti, and Gerua.
Ganges River Dolphin: A Species in Need of Protection
The Ganges river dolphin, known for its unique characteristics, is primarily found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system and its tributaries across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Additionally, a small population of the Indus river dolphin, a close relative, is found in the Indus river system in India.
Given their slow reproduction rate and their habitat in some of the world’s most threatened river systems, conservation efforts for river dolphins remain critical. Experts stress that continued monitoring and protective measures are essential to ensure the survival of these endangered aquatic mammals.
Sources By Agencies
