In a major stride for wildlife conservation, India has launched the Second Cycle of Dolphin Estimation 2025, focusing on the health and population of riverine and marine dolphins across the country. This large-scale initiative marks a key milestone under Project Dolphin, reaffirming India’s commitment to preserving its National Aquatic Animal, the Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica).
The exercise builds on the success of the first estimation cycle, integrating advanced technology, community participation, and scientific precision to monitor aquatic biodiversity across major river systems and coastal zones.
Image source : WII
Background: Strengthening Project Dolphin
Launched in 2020 under the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Project Dolphin aims to ensure the long-term survival of both freshwater and marine dolphin species.
The first national estimation (2021) provided baseline data on population distribution and identified key habitats. The 2025 cycle expands the study area, introduces acoustic monitoring, drone-based surveys, and encourages local community engagement — creating a model for participatory conservation.
Objectives of the Dolphin Estimation 2025
-
Estimate population trends across Ganga, Brahmaputra, Mahanadi, and Godavari river basins.
-
Identify and map habitats, focusing on water flow, prey availability, and pollution levels.
-
Monitor threats such as net entanglement, dams, and industrial discharges.
-
Engage local communities for long-term monitoring and awareness.
Use cutting-edge technology — drones, hydrophones, and AI tools for detection and analysis.
State-wise Focus: River & Coastal Dolphin Monitoring
The Dolphin Estimation 2025 covers both inland and coastal ecosystems across several Indian states:
Uttar Pradesh & Bihar
-
Surveys along the Ganga and Ghaghara rivers, focusing on Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary (Bhagalpur) and Hastinapur wetlands.
-
These regions are home to the largest population of Ganges River Dolphins.
Assam
-
Monitoring in the Brahmaputra and Kulsi rivers, assessing the impact of flow regulation and fishing activities.
-
The survey also documents sightings of Indus River Dolphins in transboundary river systems.
Odisha & Andhra Pradesh
-
Coastal assessments for Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins and Irrawaddy Dolphins, especially around Chilika Lake and Godavari Delta.
-
Collaboration with local fisher communities and marine biologists for sustainable management.
West Bengal
-
Focus on the Sundarbans Biosphere Reserve, where freshwater and marine dolphin habitats overlap.
-
The survey will integrate mangrove ecosystem studies with dolphin movement data.
Why Dolphin Estimation Matters
Dolphins act as sentinels of river health — their presence indicates a thriving, pollution-free aquatic system. Yet, their numbers have declined due to:
-
Habitat fragmentation by dams and barrages
-
Water pollution and industrial runoff
-
Unintentional net entanglement
-
Depletion of prey fish species
By mapping population trends and identifying risk zones, the Dolphin Estimation 2025 will guide conservation policies, inform habitat restoration projects, and strengthen India’s commitment to the Global Biodiversity Framework (2025).
Collaborating Agencies
The 2025 estimation brings together a network of experts and institutions:
-
Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC)
-
Wildlife Institute of India (WII)
-
National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG)
-
State Forest and Wildlife Departments
-
NGOs, local fishers, and academic researchers
People Also Ask (PAA)
1. What is Dolphin Estimation 2025?
It’s a national survey to estimate river and marine dolphin populations across India, helping track conservation progress under Project Dolphin.
2. What species are included in the survey?
The focus is on Ganges River Dolphins, Indus River Dolphins, and Indian Ocean Humpback Dolphins.
3. Why are dolphins important to India’s ecosystem?
Dolphins indicate the health of river and coastal systems. Their decline signals water pollution and habitat imbalance.
4. Who conducts Dolphin Estimation 2025?
The survey is led by the MoEFCC and Wildlife Institute of India, in collaboration with NMCG and state agencies.
Conclusion
The launch of the Second Cycle of Dolphin Estimation 2025 marks a defining moment for India’s aquatic conservation movement. With better technology, wider participation, and stronger scientific backing, this initiative will not only count dolphins — it will help restore the lifelines of India’s rivers and coasts.
As the nation continues its journey under Project Dolphin, the vision is clear: to ensure that the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and coastal waters remain home to these intelligent, graceful creatures for generations to come.
0 comments:
Post a Comment