Project Dolphins 
#MoEFCC #ganga 

As an environmentalist, I like to point out that the Ganges River Dolphin is indeed an endangered species, and the increase in cruise traffic in the Ganges River could be a contributing factor to their decline. 
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) and the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) should collaborate to address this issue.
Potential Measures
*Regulating cruise traffic*: 
Implementing regulations to limit the number of cruises and their speed could help reduce disturbance to dolphins.
 *Habitat protection*: 
Protecting and restoring dolphin habitats, such as shallow waters and confluences, could help conserve the species.
Research and monitoring*: 
Conducting research and monitoring programs could help better understand the impact of cruise traffic on dolphin populations.
*Sustainable tourism*: 
Promoting sustainable tourism practices could help balance economic benefits with environmental conservation.

Conservation Efforts
The Government of India has launched initiatives to conserve the Ganges River Dolphin, including the "Ganga Action Plan" and the "National Ganga River Basin Authority".
Conservation efforts could also involve collaboration with local communities, NGOs, and international organizations.

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Inland Waterways Authority of India should work together to address the impact of cruise traffic on Ganges River Dolphins and implement measures to conserve this endangered species.

Dolphins have a thick layer of blubber, which is a specialized fat layer beneath the skin. This blubber serves multiple functions, including insulation from cold water, buoyancy, and energy storage. Blubber thickness varies among dolphin species and individuals, with thicker layers found in those inhabiting colder waters. 
Here's a more detailed look at blubber in dolphins:
Insulation:
Blubber acts as an excellent insulator, preventing heat loss from the dolphin's body to the cold water. 
Buoyancy:
The blubber layer contributes to a dolphin's buoyancy, helping them float and swim efficiently. 
Energy Storage:
Blubber is a source of stored energy, which can be used by dolphins during periods of food scarcity. 
Protection:
The thick layer of blubber can also provide some protection against predators, as it can be difficult for a predator to penetrate. 
Other Functions:
Blubber also plays a role in streamlining the dolphin's body and can even act as a kind of spring, contributing to efficient swimming. 
Experts say the new survey is crucial for tracking river dolphin populations. Since 2000, at least 500 dolphins have died - many accidentally caught in fishing nets or killed deliberately - highlighting the ongoing threat to the species.

Until the early 2000s, there was very little awareness about river dolphins.

In 2009, the Gangetic river dolphin was declared India's national aquatic animal to boost conservation. Steps like a 2020 action plan and a dedicated research centre in 2024 have since helped revive its numbers.

However, conservationists say there's still a long way to go.

Dolphins continue to be poached for their flesh and blubber, from which oil is extracted to use as fishing bait. Other times, they collide with boats or get caught in fishing lines and die.
Dolphin oil, derived from the blubber of Gangetic dolphins (Platanista gangetica), is a significant threat to this endangered species in India and Bangladesh. Fishermen use the oil to attract fish, particularly catfish, in a unique angling method. The oil is also believed to have medicinal properties and is used in some traditional remedies. 
Elaboration:
Use as bait:
Dolphin oil is used as bait to enhance catfish catches in the Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers, a practice that involves killing dolphins. 
Traditional medicine:
Dolphin oil is traditionally believed to have medicinal properties, including curing rheumatism, nervous disorders, and asthma, and is also considered an aphrodisiac. 
Threat to the species:
The extraction of oil from dolphins is a major threat to the population of the Gangetic dolphin, a species already classified as endangered. 
Alternatives:
Efforts have been made to promote alternatives to dolphin oil, such as fish scraps, as a fish attractant, in order to reduce the demand for dolphin oil. 
Conservation efforts:
Organizations like the Wildlife Trust of India are working on conservation projects, including promoting alternatives to dolphin oil, to protect the species. 
Project Dolphin:
India has launched Project Dolphin, an initiative focused on conserving both marine and riverine dolphins, including the Gangetic dolphin. This project aims to protect their habitats, conduct research, and raise awareness about dolphin conservation. 
 India has an estimated 6,327 river dolphins, primarily found in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river systems. The first-ever comprehensive survey, conducted under Project Dolphin, revealed this population across 28 rivers in eight states. The survey spanned 8,500 kilometers over two years. 
Key Findings:
Population:
The survey found 6,327 river dolphins, including 6,324 Ganges river dolphins and three Indus river dolphins. 
Distribution:
Dolphins are primarily found in the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Indus river basins. 
State-wise Distribution:
Uttar Pradesh has the highest number at 2,397. 
Bihar follows with 2,220. 
West Bengal has 815, and Assam has 635. 
Survey Focus:
The survey focused on areas with historical reports of Ganges river dolphins, covering both active boat surveys and road surveys. 
Endangered Status:
River dolphins, including the Ganges river dolphin, are considered endangered due to various threats like pollution, dam construction, and bycatch in fishing nets. 
Project Dolphin:
Initiative:
Project Dolphin, launched in 2020, aims to conserve dolphins and other aquatic ecosystems.
Importance:
Monitoring and estimating dolphin populations is crucial for their conservation, especially for species with slow reproduction rates and inhabiting endangered environments.
Approximately 20% Gangetic Dolphin population was reduced in last 2 decades within eastern zone.

Think-tank by :
Somendra mohan ghosh environmentalist