Second Pan-India Dolphin Estimation Begins

On 17th January 2026, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change rolled out the second rangewide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins under Project Dolphin from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.

  • The exercise aims to update dolphin population data, assess habitat conditions, and inform conservation policy across India’s major river systems.

Species Covered

  • Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica): India’s National Aquatic Animal.
  • Indus River Dolphin (Platanista minor).
  • Irrawaddy Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris): Newly included in this round (Sundarbans & Odisha).

Key Findings from the First Survey (2021-23)

  • Estimated Dolphins: ~6,327 riverine dolphins.
  • Highest Populations:
    • Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
    • Followed by West Bengal and Assam.
  • Key Takeaway: The ....
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Ecology & Environment