Dolphins are among the top ecological indicator species across various aquatic habitats. As a result, dolphin conservation would support the continued existence of the species as well as the humans who depend on the aquatic environment for their regular needs. The Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched “Project Dolphin” on August 15, 2020, intending to incorporate both river and marine dolphins into its conservation efforts. Environment Minister Bhupendra Yadav ji proclaimed October 5th to be “National Dolphin Day” in recognition of the significance of dolphins and to increase public awareness of dolphin conservation on an annual basis.
To make the day a significantly remarkable one, the ICAR-Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute commemorated ‘National Dolphin Day’ on October 5, 2024, at Daspara Ghat, and Sheoraphuli Ghat, on the bank of the river Hooghly under the Namami Gange Program. This special day highlights the importance of conservation efforts aimed at protecting these beautiful species and their ecosystems, which are in jeopardy because of pollution, dam construction, and climate change. On this occasion, more than 100 personnel, including active fishermen, social activists, and students residing on the banks of the river, participated and were aware of the day.
Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Principal Investigator of the NMCG project and Director of ICAR-CIFRI, reminded us in the delivery message that more than thirty distinct species of marine mammals, including river dolphins, can be found in Indian waters. Only the Ganga-Brahmaputra systems are home to the Gangetic River dolphin (Platanista gangetica). Furthermore, he underscored the importance of the Gangetic dolphin as an indicator species for the Ganga ecosystem. This is because the dolphin’s vulnerability to fluctuations in water quality and flow generates information on the general well-being of the ecosystem and its constituent species.
Given the numerous challenges dolphins face in India, it is imperative that information about them be spread. Thanks to the awareness-raising and sensitization program the community is now aware of various river protection measures. That’s the stated goal of the recently established “National Dolphin Day”. The program was supported by all scientists and research scholars associated with NMCG Component III, with overall supervision from Dr. Basanta Kumar Das, Director, ICAR-CIFRI.
In addition, ICAR-CIFRI organized awareness programs in Barrackpore, Falta, Balagarh, Farakka (West Bengal); Bhagalpur (Bihar); and Praygraj (Uttar Pradesh), which engaged over 250 fishermen. Let’s stand today, “National Dolphin Day”, to recognize the beauties of our freshwater ecosystems and the urgent need to preserve them for future generations.
Read more: http://www.cifri.res.in/art809.html
