Gangetic Dolphin : The Story of the Endangered Gangetic Dolphin

Introduction – Guardians of the Ganga

The River Ganga, often described as the lifeblood of India, nurtures countless species within its vast, flowing waters. Among these creatures is one of the country’s most extraordinary yet endangered species—the Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica). Often referred to as the “Tiger of the Ganga” due to its immense ecological importance, this freshwater dolphin is a unique marvel of nature. Unlike its marine relatives, it has adapted to the murky waters of the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems, relying on echolocation—a form of natural sonar—to navigate and hunt, as it is functionally blind.

Once abundant in these rivers, the Gangetic dolphin’s numbers have declined alarmingly over the years due to pollution, habitat destruction, and human interference. In a significant conservation effort, India conducted its first large-scale survey between 2021 and 2025 to assess the status of these dolphins. The study, spanning four states and over 8,500 kilometres of river, counted 6,327 dolphins, providing crucial insights into their distribution, challenges, and the urgent need for protection. This essay delves into the remarkable world of the Gangetic dolphin, highlighting its ecological significance, the findings of the survey, the threats it faces, and the ongoing efforts to secure its survival.

gangetic dolphin sanctuary

The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) is the only dolphin sanctuary in India, established to protect the endangered Gangetic river dolphin (Platanista gangetica). It is located in Bihar, along a 60 km stretch of the Ganges River between Sultanganj and Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur district.

The Gangetic Dolphin: A Unique Freshwater Species

Declared India’s national aquatic animal in 2010, the Gangetic dolphin is a fascinating species that has adapted to life in freshwater. Unlike oceanic dolphins, which rely on keen eyesight, these river dolphins have tiny, underdeveloped eyes that render them functionally blind. Instead, they rely on echolocation—emitting high-frequency clicks that bounce off objects in the water—to detect prey and navigate their surroundings.

Growing up to 2.5 metres in length, they possess long, pointed snouts, which help them catch fish, their primary food source. Their bodies are covered in greyish-brown skin, allowing them to blend seamlessly into the silty waters of the river. These dolphins prefer deep pools, meandering channels, and confluences, where fish are plentiful and water currents create favourable conditions for survival. Despite being elusive and difficult to spot, they have long played a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance of India’s great river systems.

The Role of the Gangetic Dolphin in the Ecosystem

As an apex predator, the Gangetic dolphin plays a crucial role in sustaining the health of river ecosystems. It helps regulate fish populations, ensuring that certain species do not multiply uncontrollably and disrupt the balance of aquatic life. More importantly, the presence of these dolphins is a strong indicator of river health.

A thriving dolphin population suggests clean water, abundant fish, and a stable ecosystem, whereas their decline signals increasing pollution, habitat degradation, or excessive human interference. Protecting the Gangetic dolphin, therefore, is not just about saving a single species—it is about preserving an entire ecosystem that supports millions of people who depend on these rivers for drinking water, agriculture, and livelihoods.

The 2021–2025 Dolphin Survey: Methods and Challenges

In an ambitious step towards conservation, India conducted its first comprehensive Gangetic dolphin survey between 2021 and 2025, covering four states—Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam. The study spanned an extensive 8,507 kilometres of river, making it the largest of its kind. To ensure accuracy, scientists and conservationists used a combination of modern technology and traditional observation techniques.

One of the most important tools used was the acoustic hydrophone, an underwater microphone capable of detecting dolphin echolocation clicks. Since these dolphins surface only briefly to breathe, relying on visual counts alone can be inaccurate. By combining hydrophone data with careful observations from boats, researchers were able to achieve more reliable results.

Despite the success of the survey, several challenges emerged. Identifying individual dolphins proved difficult due to their lack of distinct markings, making it hard to track their movements and behaviours over time. Another major challenge was the sheer size and remoteness of certain river stretches. Many tributaries, particularly in Bihar and Assam, were difficult to access, limiting researchers’ ability to count dolphins in some areas.

Additionally, seasonal variations in water levels created further complications. During the monsoon season, high water levels and strong currents made it harder to detect dolphins, while in dry months, certain river sections became too shallow, forcing dolphins to migrate elsewhere. These challenges highlight the difficulties of studying a species that is not only rare but also highly dependent on ever-changing river conditions.

Key Findings: Where Are the Dolphins Found?

The survey recorded a total of 6,327 Gangetic dolphins across the four states, with their distribution varying based on environmental conditions and conservation efforts. Uttar Pradesh reported the highest number of dolphins, largely due to its long, relatively undisturbed river stretches and targeted conservation projects. Bihar also emerged as a significant habitat, particularly in confluence zones where different rivers meet, creating rich feeding grounds. The tidal rivers of the Sundarbans in West Bengal provided another crucial habitat, while in Assam, the dynamic channels of the Brahmaputra supported a smaller but stable dolphin population.

One of the most encouraging findings was the success of conservation initiatives in certain areas. In places like Bihar’s Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary, efforts to reduce industrial pollution and promote sustainable fishing practices have contributed to healthier dolphin populations. However, the survey also confirmed that dolphin numbers remain under threat in heavily industrialised and densely populated areas, where pollution and habitat destruction continue to take a toll.

Establishing a Baseline for Future Conservation

The results of this survey provide a crucial baseline for future research and conservation efforts. In the past, different studies used varying methods to estimate dolphin numbers, leading to inconsistent data. For example, a 2018 survey in Bihar counted around 1,200 dolphins, but it relied only on visual observation, which may have underestimated actual numbers. With this new standardised methodology, conservationists now have a more accurate reference point to measure changes in dolphin populations over time. This baseline will help track the effectiveness of conservation measures and identify areas where further intervention is needed.

Conservation Efforts: The Role of Communities and Education

One of the most effective ways to protect the Gangetic dolphin is through community participation. Recognising this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has encouraged grassroots involvement in conservation efforts. Several initiatives have been introduced to engage local communities in dolphin protection. Awareness campaigns educate villagers about the dangers of using harmful fishing nets that entangle dolphins.

School programmes introduce children to dolphin conservation through educational tours, fostering a sense of responsibility from an early age. Additionally, citizen science projects encourage local people to report dolphin sightings through mobile apps, allowing real-time monitoring and greater public involvement in conservation. These efforts not only help protect the species but also ensure that communities living along the river see themselves as custodians of these unique creatures.

Threats to the Gangetic Dolphin’s Survival

Despite positive conservation efforts, the Gangetic dolphin continues to face several serious threats. Pollution remains one of the biggest challenges, with industrial waste, untreated sewage, and plastic pollution degrading river water quality. Large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the construction of dams and barrages, further endanger dolphin populations by fragmenting their habitats and disrupting their natural movement.

The Farakka Barrage, for instance, has significantly altered river flow, affecting dolphin distribution. Another major threat is bycatch—dolphins often become accidentally trapped in illegal fishing nets, leading to injury or death. Sand mining, which disturbs riverbeds and destroys breeding grounds, adds to the growing list of challenges. Without stringent action, these threats could push the species closer to extinction.

Conclusion

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The Source’s Authority and Ownership of the Article is Claimed By THE STUDY IAS BY MANIKANT SINGH