India’s first-ever riverine dolphin estimation report was released on United Nations World Wildlife Day (WWD), which is celebrated on March 3, 2025. The dolphin report was officially made public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on a visit to Gujarat.
Key Findings from the Report
- Dolphin Population Estimates:
- Ganges River Dolphins: A total of 6,324 individuals.
- Indus River Dolphins: Three individuals were recorded.
- Spatial Distribution:
- Ganga:
- Main stem: Average of 3,275 dolphins.
- Tributaries: 2,414 dolphins.
- Brahmaputra:
- Mainstream: 584 dolphins.
- Tributaries: 412 dolphins.
- River Beas: 101 dolphins.
- Ganga:
- Survey Details:
- The effort began in 2021 and covered a cumulative distance of 8,507 km.
- The highest numbers were observed in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Dolphin Conservation Initiatives
- Project Dolphin:
- Launched on 15th August 2020, this project aims to conserve both marine and riverine dolphins and associated cetaceans through habitat protection, scientific research, and community awareness.
- Key dolphin hotspots include regions in Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Lakshadweep.
- Legal and Enforcement Framework:
- The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, was amended in December 2022.
- The amendment empowers the Indian Coast Guard with enforcement powers and recognizes Gangetic and Indus River Dolphins as distinct species under Schedule I.
- States have been advised to align with International Whaling Commission regulations, including appointing Dolphin and Whaling Commissioners.
- International Engagement:
- India participated in the Global Declaration for River Dolphins discussions in Bogotá, Colombia (23–24 October 2023), reinforcing its global commitment to dolphin conservation.
- Innovative Conservation Measures:
- On 18th December 2024, India achieved a groundbreaking milestone by satellite-tagging the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin in Assam.
- The use of advanced lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos systems enables tracking even with the dolphins’ minimal surfacing time.
(Source: PIB)
