A Historic Step for River Wildlife Conservation
India’s First National Dolphin Research Centre Inaugurated in Patna: India has taken a significant leap in wildlife protection with the inauguration of its first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna, Bihar. This pioneering institute is the first of its kind in Asia and marks a focused effort to safeguard the endangered Gangetic dolphin, also known as Susu. Located near the Ganga River, the center will serve as a vital hub for research, conservation, and education on freshwater dolphin ecology and river ecosystem health.
Why the Gangetic Dolphin Needs Urgent Help
The Gangetic dolphin holds the distinction of being India’s National Aquatic Animal and is found mainly in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems. Known for its blindness, it navigates and hunts using echolocation—a natural sonar system of high-frequency sounds. However, due to pollution, river traffic, and habitat degradation, its numbers have dwindled. The dolphin is now classified as “Endangered” by the IUCN and is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, offering it the highest legal protection in India.
What Makes the NDRC Special
The National Dolphin Research Centre is not just about science—it’s about survival. It will help researchers track dolphin populations, study river health, and understand dolphin behaviour and breeding. It also acts as a public awareness centre, encouraging communities and youth to participate in conservation. From developing guidelines for pollution control to guiding state-level protection strategies, the NDRC is expected to shape the future of India’s river conservation efforts.
A Broader Push for Dolphin Protection
India’s commitment to dolphin conservation has gained momentum since the launch of Project Dolphin in 2021. As part of this initiative, efforts include creating protected sanctuaries such as the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar and celebrating National Dolphin Day on October 5 each year. The government has also rolled out a 25-year conservation action plan (2022–2047) to ensure long-term protection of these unique mammals and their riverine habitats.
Why Patna Was the Ideal Location
Patna lies along the Ganga River—a primary habitat for the Gangetic dolphin. With Bihar already housing the Vikramshila sanctuary, the region has seen some of the country’s strongest conservation efforts. Locating the NDRC here ensures proximity to active dolphin habitats and offers field scientists access to real-time observation zones. The move also reflects Bihar’s growing role in India’s environmental research infrastructure.
Static GK Snapshot: National Dolphin Research Centre 2025
| Topic | Details |
| Centre Name | National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) |
| Inauguration Date | February 2025 |
| Location | Patna, Bihar |
| Focus Species | Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) |
| Conservation Status (IUCN) | Endangered |
| National Status | India’s National Aquatic Animal |
| Legal Protection in India | Schedule I, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
| CITES Status | Appendix I (Trade prohibited) |
| Associated Initiatives | Project Dolphin 2021, Dolphin Action Plan 2022–2047 |
| Awareness Day | National Dolphin Day – October 5 |
| Sanctuary Mentioned | Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar |
