India’s Aquatic Icon Under Threat
Chemical Pollution Threatens Gangetic Dolphins: WII Report Reveals Grim Reality: The endangered Gangetic Dolphin, often referred to as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” is facing an alarming new threat: toxic chemical pollution. A recent report by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) reveals that Endocrine-Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are accumulating in the fish consumed by these dolphins, directly harming their hormonal and reproductive systems. These pollutants come from industrial chemicals, pesticides, and heavy metals, largely due to agricultural runoff and untreated waste.
Ecological and Cultural Significance
The Ganga River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) is not just an endangered species—it is India’s National Aquatic Animal and Assam’s State Aquatic Animal. Discovered in 1801, this blind, freshwater species uses ultrasonic echolocation to hunt and is known for the sound “susu” it makes while exhaling. Found historically in Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna systems across India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, its population and range have shrunk drastically over the decades.
Declining Numbers and Pollution Burden
According to the first national Project Dolphin survey (2020), India hosts an estimated 6,327 Gangetic dolphins. However, their population has seen a 50% decline since 1957, along with a 25% reduction in range. The WII study found toxic chemicals such as DDT, Lindane, DEHP, DnBP, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium in fish, which are consumed by dolphins. These contaminants enter rivers from pesticide use, industrial discharge, and urban pollution, and accumulate in aquatic food chains, posing long-term ecological risks.
Protection Measures and National Projects
The dolphins are classified as Endangered by the IUCN, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and Appendix I of CITES and CMS. India launched Project Dolphin to protect both riverine and marine dolphins. The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar remains the only protected area for dolphins. In addition, October 5 is observed as National Ganga River Dolphin Day, to spread awareness on conservation efforts.
Future Challenges and Way Forward
Despite strong legal protection, chemical pollution, poaching, fishing net entanglements, and habitat destruction from dam construction and vessel noise continue to endanger the species. The WII study underscores the urgent need for clean-up of river ecosystems, enforcement of pollution controls, and sustainable water management. Protecting the Gangetic dolphin means protecting the entire river ecosystem, making it a keystone indicator of aquatic health.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Chemical Pollution Threatens Gangetic Dolphins: WII Report Reveals Grim Reality:
| Topic | Details |
| Species Name | Platanista gangetica (Gangetic Dolphin) |
| National Status | National Aquatic Animal of India (2009) |
| State Status | State Aquatic Animal of Assam |
| Population in India | 6,327 (as per Project Dolphin 2020) |
| IUCN Status | Endangered |
| Legal Protection (India) | Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 – Schedule I |
| Global Protection | CITES Appendix I, CMS Appendix I |
| Major Habitat | Ganga, Brahmaputra, Meghna river systems |
| Major Sanctuary | Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar |
| National Observation Day | Ganga River Dolphin Day – 5th October |
| Threats | EDCs, fishing nets, poaching, habitat loss, industrial pollution |
