India’s First Gangetic Dolphin Survey

On 3rd March 2025, the first-ever nationwide estimation of Gangetic dolphins recorded 6,327 individuals in the Ganga and its tributaries, providing a crucial baseline for conservation efforts.

Key Points

Survey Overview: The survey was conducted by the Environment Ministry and released on World Wildlife Day, recorded 6,324 Ganges River dolphins and three Indus River dolphins across major river systems.
Population Distribution: The highest number of dolphins was found in Uttar Pradesh, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. The survey covered 8,507 km of river distance.
Challenges in Estimation: Unlike land animals like tigers and elephants, river dolphins pose a unique challenge for estimation as they are blind, rely on echolocation, and surface only briefly for air.
Threats to Survival: The study also highlighted major threats to dolphins, with fishing net entanglement and habitat pollution being primary concerns that need further investigation.
Future Conservation Plans: The next dolphin estimation will take place in four years, with experts emphasizing community participation and school awareness programs for conservation.