Second Range Wide Dolphin Survey Under Project Dolphin

Background of the Survey

Second Range Wide Dolphin Survey Under Project Dolphin: India has launched the Second Range Wide Dolphin Survey under Project Dolphin, starting from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. This nationwide scientific exercise aims to update population estimates of riverine and estuarine dolphins across major river systems. The survey also evaluates habitat quality and emerging ecological threats.

The initiative reflects India’s growing focus on aquatic biodiversity conservation. Dolphins are treated as sentinel species for freshwater and coastal ecosystems. Their decline often mirrors broader environmental stress.

Objectives of Project Dolphin

Project Dolphin is a flagship conservation programme of the Government of India, coordinated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC). Its core objective is to protect riverine and marine dolphin species through habitat conservation and scientific monitoring.

The project places special emphasis on the Gangetic River Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal. Conservation strategies also include community participation, mitigation of accidental fishing deaths, and reduction of pollution loads.

Static GK fact: The Gangetic River Dolphin was declared the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2009.

Agencies and Methodology

The survey is being conducted by trained wildlife experts and field teams under MoEFCC supervision. Data collection focuses on dolphin numbers, river morphology, water quality, prey availability, and human-induced pressures.

Scientific protocols ensure uniformity across river systems. The findings will support long-term policy planning and strengthen conservation measures under Project Dolphin.

Survey Phases and Coverage

The dolphin survey is structured into two distinct phases to ensure comprehensive coverage. The first phase covers the main stem of the Ganga from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar, along with the Indus River system.

The second phase expands to the Brahmaputra basin, major Ganga tributaries, the Sundarbans region, and select riverine and estuarine areas of Odisha. This wide spatial spread enables ecosystem-level assessment.

Static GK Tip: The Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna system is among the world’s most biodiverse freshwater regions.

Species Covered

The survey assesses multiple dolphin species, including the Gangetic River Dolphin, Indus River Dolphin, and Irrawaddy Dolphin. Each species occupies distinct ecological niches, ranging from fast-flowing rivers to coastal lagoons.

Apart from population counts, the study examines threats such as pollution, water diversion, habitat fragmentation, and fishing bycatch. Associated aquatic species are also documented for holistic conservation planning.

Significance of Dolphin Surveys

Dolphins are recognised as indicator species of river health. Declining populations often indicate deteriorating water quality or disrupted river flow regimes.

Updated estimates allow authorities to assess the effectiveness of conservation initiatives. The survey supports science-based decision-making, enabling targeted interventions in critical river stretches.

Insights from the First Survey

The first range wide dolphin survey recorded a total of 6,327 dolphins in India. Out of these, 6,324 were Gangetic River Dolphins, with major concentrations in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.

The Brahmaputra basin showed a stable population, while only three Indus River Dolphins were recorded in the Beas River. Several high-density stretches such as the Chambal and middle Ganga were identified as key hotspots.

Static GK fact: The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar is India’s only dedicated dolphin sanctuary.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

Second Range Wide Dolphin Survey Under Project Dolphin: