India has recorded 6,327 riverine dolphins, with Uttar Pradesh having the highest population, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam, according to the country’s first-ever dolphin census. The survey, conducted under Project Dolphin, covered 28 rivers across eight states, spanning 8,500 kilometers over 3,150 man-days.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi released the report during the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife in Gir, Gujarat. He stressed the importance of dolphin conservation and urged local communities to participate. He also recommended school visits to dolphin habitats to raise awareness.
Recognizing the declining population of gharials, Modi announced a new conservation project for these fish-eating crocodiles.
Expanded Wildlife Conservation Initiatives
The government has launched several wildlife conservation efforts. The 16th Asiatic lion census will take place in 2025, continuing the five-year cycle. The last count in 2020 recorded a steady increase in lion numbers.
The introduction of cheetahs will be expanded to Gandhisagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Banni Grasslands in Gujarat. A new scheme will also focus on conserving tigers outside protected reserves, addressing human-tiger conflicts.
A Centre of Excellence will be set up at the Wildlife Institute of India in Coimbatore to support states in handling human-wildlife conflicts. The initiative will equip rapid response teams with advanced tracking technology and surveillance systems.
To combat forest fires and human-animal conflicts, Modi emphasized using remote sensing, geospatial mapping, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning. The Forest Survey of India and BISAG-N will collaborate to improve forest fire prediction, detection, and prevention using space technology.
Also Read: PM Modi Visits Vantara; Engages With Rescued Wildlife In Gujarat
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