The first comprehensive survey of river dolphin populations in India, conducted between 2021 to 2023, has found a total of 6,327 river dolphins across the country. This survey, which focused on the Ganga and Brahmaputra river basins as well as the Beas river, was conducted by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in collaboration with state forest departments and various non-profit organizations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced these findings during the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife at Gir National Park.
Key Highlights
What are Numbers Saying?
- Total Dolphin Population: 6,327 (6,324 Gangetic dolphins + 3 Indus river dolphins).
- Survey Conducted by: Wildlife Institute of India (WII), state forest departments of Punjab, UP, Bihar, Assam, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and organizations like
- Aaranyak, WWF, Turtle Survival Alliance, and Wildlife Trust of India.
- Survey Duration: 2021-2023
- Total Distance Surveyed: 8,406 km (Ganga & Brahmaputra basins) + 101 km (Beas river).
- Project Dolphin: Launched by PM Modi on August 15, 2020, to enhance conservation efforts.
Dolphin Population Breakdown
- Gangetic Dolphins (Platanista gangetica gangetica): 6,324
- Ganga River Basin: 5,689 (range: 5,371-6,024)
- Brahmaputra River Basin: 635 (range: 5,977-6,688)
- Indus River Dolphins (Platanista gangetica minor): 3 (in Beas River, Punjab).
