Project Dolphin: Conservation Efforts in India

On World Wildlife Day, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi released the report of the first-ever riverine dolphin estimation conducted in the country, which estimated 6,327 dolphins.

This pioneering effort involved surveying 28 rivers across eight states, Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers (2,397), followed by Bihar (2,220), West Bengal (815), Assam (635) and Jharkhand (162). 

While on a trip to Gir National Park, the Prime Minister emphasised the importance of awareness on dolphin conservation by involving the local population and villagers in the areas. He also advised organising exposure visits by school children in the dolphin habitat areas.

Dolphin conservation has been a key environmental initiative by the government of India, with focused efforts on species protection, habitat improvement, monitoring, patrolling, and awareness programs. 

On the 15th of August 2020, Project Dolphin was launched to conserve marine and riverine dolphins, along with associated cetaceans, through habitat protection, scientific research, and community awareness. 

In December 2022, the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended to empower the Indian Coast Guard with enforcement powers and recognizing Gangetic and Indus River Dolphins as distinct species under Schedule I.

The Project Dolphin Steering Committee was reconstituted, with the first committee meeting held on 6th September 2023, when the first edition of the Project Dolphin Newsletter was launched. States have been urged to align with International Whaling Commission regulations, appointing Dolphin and Whaling Commissioners for conservation efforts.

In October 2023, India participated in discussions on the Global Declaration for River Dolphins in Colombia, reinforcing its commitment to global dolphin conservation.

Chambal River Conservation Zone, a 200 km stretch in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh has been recommended for designation as a Dolphin Conservation Zone for targeted protection efforts.

India’s First-Ever Ganges River Dolphin Tagging

On 18th December 2024, India achieved a groundbreaking milestone by successfully satellite-tagging the first-ever Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in Assam under Project Dolphin.

The initiative led by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with the Assam Forest Department and Aaranyak, and funded by the National CAMPA Authority (MoEFCC), marks a global first in dolphin conservation.

With 90% of the global population found in India, knowledge gaps on their movement and ecology have hindered conservation efforts. This initiative will study their habitat use, migration patterns, and environmental stressors, aiding better conservation strategies.

Technology & Future Steps

The government has also leveraged technologies like advanced lightweight satellite tags compatible with Argos satellite systems, enabling tracking despite dolphins’ minimal surfacing time. Plans are underway to expand tagging across other states, creating a comprehensive conservation roadmap.

Wrapping Up

Dolphins are one of the most intelligent aquatic mammals known for their playful behavior. They often engage in acrobatic displays, such as leaping out of the water and spinning in the air. 

The dolphins found in rivers are highly adapted to life in freshwater habitats, making them unique among dolphin species. In India, river dolphin hotspots have been identified in Uttar Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, and Lakshadweep. 

River dolphins are often referred to as ‘indicator species’ because their presence reflects the overall health of the river ecosystem.

Since they are highly sensitive to changes in water quality, pollution, habitat destruction, their survival and well-being can serve as a signal of the state of the environment. A decline in dolphin populations signals problems in the freshwater habitat, such as contamination or disruption of the food chain, which can ultimately affect other species.

Further, dolphins also play an important role in maintaining biodiversity in freshwater ecosystems by preying on certain species, which prevents overpopulation and helps maintain a balanced aquatic ecosystem. 

Through Project Dolphin, the government can contribute to the overall adaptation and resilience of Indian rivers in the face of climate change, benefiting both wildlife and human populations.