IN NEWS: Second Nationwide Dolphin Survey Begins from Bijnor

ANALYSIS

Introduction

The second nationwide survey of riverine and estuarine dolphins has been launched under Project Dolphin by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with Bijnor as the starting point.This follows the first comprehensive estimate (released in March 2025), which recorded 6,327 river dolphins across India. The new survey aims to provide updated population data, habitat assessment, and threat analysis for improved conservation planning.

Key Findings of the Previous Survey (Baseline Context)

• Total dolphins recorded: 6,327
• Highest populations in:
  • Uttar Pradesh – 2,397
  • Bihar – 2,220
  • West Bengal – 815
  • Assam – 635
• Coverage:
  • 28 rivers across 8 states
  • Over 8,500 km surveyed
  • 3,150+ mandays effort

The second survey builds upon this baseline dataset.

Geographical Distribution (Survey Coverage)

The ongoing survey is designed in phases:

• Phase I:
  • Main stem of Ganga River from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar
  • Indus River stretches in India
• Phase II:
  • Brahmaputra River
  • Tributaries of major river systems

This ensures pan-India coverage of key dolphin habitats.

Survey Methodology

The survey adopts advanced scientific techniques and standardised protocols:

• Coordinated by:
  • Wildlife Institute of India
• Collaboration with:
  • World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-India)
  • Wildlife Trust of India
  • Aaranyak
• Techniques:
  • Boat-based surveys
  • Hydrophones (acoustic monitoring)
• Data collected:
  • Dolphin presence and distribution
  • Habitat quality and ecological parameters
  • Pollution levels and anthropogenic pressures
• Capacity building:
  • Training workshops for forest staff

Significance of the Study

• Provides updated population estimates
• Helps identify:
  • Critical habitats and conservation hotspots
• Assesses:
  • Threats like pollution, fishing practices, low water levels
• Strengthens:
  • Evidence-based policymaking
• Enhances:
  • Inter-agency coordination in conservation

Limitations of the Estimate

• Challenges in:
  • Detecting dolphins due to brief surfacing behavior
• Dependence on:
  • Acoustic technology and trained manpower
• Variability in:
  • River flow and seasonal conditions
• Possible:
  • Detection and availability errors

Conservation Context

• Dolphins involved:
  • Ganges river dolphin
  • Indus river dolphin
  • Irrawaddy dolphin
• Major threats:
  • Fishing using mosquito nets
  • Low water levels
  • Pollution and habitat degradation
• Legal status:
  • Schedule I protection under Wildlife Protection Act, 1972

Way Forward

• Strengthen:
  • Scientific monitoring and periodic surveys
• Improve:
  • River flow management and ecological restoration
• Regulate:
  • Unsustainable fishing practices
• Enhance:
  • Pollution control and habitat protection
• Promote:
  • Community awareness and stakeholder participation

Conclusion

The launch of the second nationwide dolphin survey marks a progressive step in India’s conservation journey, moving from baseline estimation to continuous monitoring and adaptive management. It reflects a science-driven approach to preserving riverine biodiversity.

STATIC PART

Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

• Established: 1982
• Headquarters: Dehradun
• Role:
  • Wildlife research and training
  • Advising government on biodiversity conservation
  • Conducting national-level wildlife surveys

Project Dolphin

• Launched: 2020
• Launched by: Government of India
• Objective:
  • Conservation of river and marine dolphins
  • Promote scientific and community-based conservation

Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)

• Established: 1985
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Present Minister: Bhupender Yadav
• Functions:
  • Environmental policy formulation
  • Wildlife conservation
  • Climate change coordination

Updated - 17 January 2026 | 11:19 PM IST | News Source: Deccan Herald