First Population Estimation of Riverine Dolphins in India: Key Findings and Significance

India has conducted its first-ever population estimation of riverine dolphins, revealing a total of 6,327 dolphins across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems. This significant study, conducted as part of ‘Project Dolphin’, provides crucial insights into the status and distribution of these endangered freshwater species. The findings, published in a government report on Monday, highlight the ecological importance of river dolphins and the need for conservation efforts.

Understanding Riverine Dolphins in India

1. Ganges River Dolphin: The Iconic Freshwater Mammal

The Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) is an endangered freshwater dolphin species found primarily in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system and its tributaries. These dolphins are also found in the waters of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. Known for their unique adaptations, such as near-total blindness and reliance on echolocation, these dolphins are essential indicators of healthy freshwater ecosystems.

2. Indus River Dolphin: A Rare Sight in India

The Indus river dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor), a close relative of the Ganges river dolphin, is primarily found in the Indus river system in Pakistan. However, a small population of three dolphins has been identified in the Beas River in Punjab, India. The presence of this species in India is extremely rare, making its conservation even more critical.

Project Dolphin: India’s Conservation Initiative

1. The Vision Behind Project Dolphin

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ‘Project Dolphin’ on August 15, 2020, as a major step toward the conservation of river dolphins and other aquatic species. The project aims to:

• Enhance scientific monitoring of dolphin populations.
• Improve habitat conservation efforts.
• Reduce human-induced threats such as pollution, habitat destruction, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets.

2. The Survey: A Nationwide Effort

The first-ever comprehensive river dolphin population survey was conducted from 2021 to 2023, covering a vast area of over 8,000 km across eight states. These states included:

• Uttar Pradesh
• Bihar
• Jharkhand
• Rajasthan
• Madhya Pradesh
• West Bengal
• Assam
• Punjab

This survey marks one of the largest freshwater dolphin assessments ever undertaken.

Findings of the Dolphin Population Survey

1. Total Population Estimates

The report titled ‘Population Status of River Dolphin in India’ provides detailed data on the estimated population of dolphins:

• Total Ganges River Dolphins: 6,327 (range: 5,977 – 6,688)
• Total Indus River Dolphins: 3 (all found in the Beas River, Punjab)

The study found that river dolphins thrive in areas with adequate water depth and minimal human disturbance.

2. State-wise Dolphin Distribution

The dolphin population varied significantly across different states, with Uttar Pradesh leading in numbers.

State	Dolphin Population
Uttar Pradesh	2,397
Bihar	2,220
West Bengal	815
Assam	635
Jharkhand	162
Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh	95
Punjab	3

The highest number of dolphins was recorded in Uttar Pradesh, followed closely by Bihar and West Bengal.

3. Survey Methodology

The extensive survey covered 58 rivers, with two primary methodologies used:

• Boat Surveys: Conducted on 28 rivers, allowing for direct observation of dolphins.
• Road Surveys: Conducted along 30 rivers, focusing on historical dolphin habitats to determine changes in their presence.

These methods helped scientists track dolphin populations accurately across various river systems.

Significance of the Findings

1. Conservation Implications

The findings underscore the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect river dolphins, which are classified as Endangered under the IUCN Red List. Since river dolphins have a slow reproduction rate, any decline in their numbers could have long-term consequences.

2. Role of River Dolphins in Ecosystems

River dolphins are known as ‘indicator species’, meaning their presence reflects the health of freshwater ecosystems. Their survival is directly linked to:

• Water quality
• River flow regulation
• Reduction in human disturbances (such as sand mining and overfishing)

3. Threats to River Dolphins

Despite being legally protected under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, river dolphins face multiple threats, including:

• Pollution: Industrial and agricultural waste contaminates rivers, affecting dolphin health.
• Habitat Destruction: Dam construction, sand mining, and water diversion disrupt dolphin habitats.
• Accidental Deaths: Dolphins often get caught in fishing nets or are hunted for oil and meat.

The report highlights the need for stricter conservation policies to address these threats.

Future Conservation Efforts

1. Strengthening Project Dolphin

The Indian government plans to expand Project Dolphin by:

• Establishing dolphin conservation reserves in critical habitats.
• Enhancing community participation in dolphin conservation.
• Strengthening pollution control measures to improve water quality.

2. Sustainable River Management

Experts suggest that the revival of rivers through sustainable water management is essential for dolphin conservation. Key strategies include:

• Maintaining natural river flows.
• Preventing illegal fishing and poaching.
• Reducing plastic and chemical pollution in rivers.

3. Public Awareness and Education

Raising awareness about river dolphins and their ecological role is crucial. Community-led conservation programs can ensure long-term protection of these species.

Summary of the News

Category	Details
Why in News?	India conducted its first-ever population estimation of riverine dolphins, revealing a total of 6,327 dolphins across the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems.
Project Name	Project Dolphin – Launched by PM Narendra Modi on August 15, 2020, to conserve river dolphins and their habitats.
Total Population	– Ganges River Dolphin: 6,327 (Range: 5,977 – 6,688) – Indus River Dolphin: 3 (found in the Beas River, Punjab)
Top States by Dolphin Population	1. Uttar Pradesh – 2,397 2. Bihar – 2,220 3. West Bengal – 815 4. Assam – 635 5. Jharkhand – 162 6. Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh – 95 7. Punjab – 3
Survey Details	– Conducted between 2021-2023 across 8 states. – Covered 58 rivers using boat surveys (28 rivers) and road surveys (30 rivers). – Total survey area: 8,000 km.
Importance of River Dolphins	– Indicator species reflecting freshwater ecosystem health. – Their presence signifies good water quality and minimal human disturbance.
Threats to Dolphins	1. Pollution – Industrial and agricultural waste. 2. Habitat Destruction – Dams, sand mining, water diversion. 3. Accidental Deaths – Entanglement in fishing nets.
Conservation Efforts	– Strengthening Project Dolphin by creating conservation reserves. – Pollution control measures to improve water quality. – Community participation and awareness programs for long-term conservation.