India Kicks Off 2nd Great Dolphin Census from Bijnor

• Second nationwide dolphin estimation begins in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, under Project Dolphin.
• Survey expands to include Irrawaddy dolphins in Sundarbans and Odisha for the first time.
• High-tech methods like underwater hydrophones used to track populations in the Ganga and Indus.
• Previous 2021-23 census recorded ~6,327 dolphins, with UP and Bihar leading the count.

GG News Bureau
Bijnor, 18th Jan: The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has rolled out the second rangewide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh. This ambitious survey, operating under the aegis of “Project Dolphin,” aims to generate robust scientific data to secure the future of India’s aquatic apex predators.

The initiative follows the release of the first round of population estimates by the Prime Minister at the National Board for Wild Life meeting in Gir last March. While Union Minister Shri Bhupendra Yadav officially launched the estimation protocol in Dehradun during the last wildlife week, the actual groundwork commenced today. The survey is being coordinated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with State Forest Departments and conservation partners such as WWF India, Aaranyak, and the Wildlife Trust of India.

Phased Rollout and High-Tech Monitoring The survey began with a team of 26 researchers deployed in three boats, equipped with advanced technology including hydrophones for underwater acoustic monitoring. The estimation will be conducted in two phases. The first phase covers the main stem of the Ganga—stretching from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar—and the Indus River. The second phase will expand to the Brahmaputra, the tributaries of the Ganga, the Sundarbans, and Odisha.

A key upgrade in this second round is the expanded scope. In addition to the Ganges and Indus River Dolphins, the survey will now assess the status of Irrawaddy Dolphins in the Sundarbans and Odisha. This inclusion aims to update population estimates for the species and assess critical habitat conditions and threats.

Building on Previous Success The previous nationwide survey (2021–23) estimated a population of approximately 6,327 riverine dolphins across India, with Uttar Pradesh and Bihar hosting the largest numbers. That survey covered the Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Gandak, Ghaghara, Kosi, Mahananda, and Brahmaputra systems, along with a small population of Indus River Dolphins in the Beas.

To ensure data accuracy, a regional training workshop for forest staff from 13 districts was held yesterday in Bijnor. Similar training sessions will be conducted intermittently for every 10–15 districts as the survey progresses, ensuring standardized field capacity across the country. The data gathered will be pivotal for evidence-based conservation planning and policy action for India’s river ecosystems.