THE first population estimation of riverine dolphins in India has revealed the presence of 6,327 dolphins in the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Indus River systems, according to a Government report published on Monday. The Ganga River dolphin, known for its unique features, is found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system and its tributaries across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. A small population of the Indus river dolphin, a close relative of the Ganga river dolphin, is found in the Indus River system in India.

 

As part of “Project Dolphin”, a comprehensive survey was conducted for the first time to estimate the population of river dolphins across eight States -- Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Assam and Punjab. It is one of the world’s largest freshwater surveys, covering the entire range of the Ganga river dolphin in the Ganga and Brahmaputra, as well as the Indus river dolphin in the Beas river, according to the report “Population Status of River Dolphin in India”. The survey estimated 6,327 Ganga river dolphins (range: 5,977-6,688) and three Indus river dolphins. The findings suggest that dolphins thrive in areas with adequate water depth and minimal human disturbances, it said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Project Dolphin on August 15, 2020, to conserve dolphins and other aquatic ecosystems. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday announced the Asiatic lion population estimation exercise in May and unveiled conservation plans for tigers, gharials and a critically endangered bird, while pushing for using AI to combat forest fires and human-animal conflicts. He made a slew of announcements while chairing the seventh meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL), in his capacity as ex-officio chairperson, at Sasan in Gujarat’s Junagadh district.

 

At the meeting, which coincided with World Wildlife Day, the PM virtually laid the foundation stone of a National Referral Centre for Wildlife at Junagadh. Modi announced a scheme focused on the conservation of tigers, and a centre of excellence for the effective management of human-wildlife conflicts. Soon after completing his lion safari at the Gir National Park, Modi headed for the NBWL meeting, which ended by Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav and other members of the board. At the meet, the PM announced the initiation of a new conservation project on gharials, and a National Great Indian Bustard Conservation Action Plan after considering the need to upscale conservation efforts of this critically endangered bird species, stated an official release. He outlined a scheme focused on the conservation of tigers outside reserves with the aim to address human-tiger and other co-predator conflicts by ensuring co-existence with local communities, it said. The Board discussed conservation efforts for dolphins and Asiatic lions, and the establishment of an International Big Cats Alliance. Monitoring dolphin populations is crucial for conservation, especially for river dolphins, which have a slow growth rate and live in some of the world’s most threatened habitats.

 

The survey covering over 8,000 km was conducted from 2021 to 2023. It included eight states -- along the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers and their tributaries, as well as the Beas river. During the survey, 58 rivers were assessed. Of these, 28 rivers were actively surveyed by boat, while 30 were studied through road surveys, focusing on locations where the Ganges river dolphin had been historically reported. The PM asked the board and Environment Ministry to gather traditional knowledge and manuscripts of various regions of India with respect to conservation and management of forests and wildlife for research and development, stated the release. “The Prime Minister chalked out a roadmap for wildlife conservation strategy and future actions for the ministry and asked officials to constitute various task forces to work on Indian sloth bear, gharial and Great Indian Bustard conservation and development,” it said. Modi commended the active participation of local communities in conservation and emphasised on the importance of utilising advanced technologies, including AI, in wildlife conservation. He also advised research and documentation of medicinal plants in forest areas which can play a crucial role in animal health management, the release said. The PM later flagged off motorcycles for enhanced mobility of frontline forest staff and interacted with field-level functionaries at Gir.

 

 

PRIME Minister Modi went on a lion safari at Gir Wildlife Sanctuary in Gujarat’s Junagadh district on Monday morning. In a post on X, Modi said the population of Asiatic lions has seen a steady rise due to collective efforts, and commended the contribution of tribals and women living in surrounding areas in preserving the Asiatic lion habitat. The PM also posted pictures of lions that he came across during the safari.

 

“This morning, on #WorldWildlifeDay, I went on a Safari in Gir, which, as we all know, is home to the majestic Asiatic Lion. Coming to Gir also brings back many memories of the work we collectively did when I was serving as Gujarat CM,” he said. “In the last many years, collective efforts have ensured that the population of Asiatic Lions is rising steadily. Equally commendable is the role of tribal communities and women from surrounding areas in preserving the habitat of the Asiatic Lion,” Modi added. “Over the last decade, the population of tigers, leopards, rhinos have risen too, indicating how deeply we cherish wildlife and are working to build sustainable habitats for animals,” he said in another tweet. The Prime Minister also posted pictures of lions that he came across during the safari.