The survey was carried out between March 1, 2022 and March 21, 2023. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of dolphins, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
Digital Desk: Assam ranked fourth in the country with a total of 635 river dolphins in its five rivers. River dolphin survey, conducted for the first time in India, estimated the existence of 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in 8 states including Assam.
The report was released by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) at Sasan, Junagadh district of Gujarat on Monday.
The Environment Ministry in a statement said, "During the meeting, the Prime Minister released the report of the first-ever dolphin estimation concluded in the country, which estimated a total of 6,327 dolphins. This pioneering effort involved surveying 28 rivers across eight states, with 3150 man-days dedicated to covering over 8,500 kilometres."
The report in its conclusion stated, "The important areas identified in Assam within the Brahmaputra and its tributaries are vital for dolphin conservation and local livelihoods. The estimated dolphin population in Assam is 635 individuals, with critical areas in the Kulsi River, Subansiri River, Brahmaputra River in Majuli, Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Kaziranga National Park, Guwahati, Goalpara-Bongaigaon, and Dhubri. The Barak River has been identified as a cold spot with no dolphin population."
The survey was carried out between March 1, 2022 and March 21, 2023. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest number of dolphins, followed by Bihar, West Bengal, and Assam.
No dolphins in the Barak River and the rapid decline in the Subansiri River has been a point of concern for conservationists.
Leave A Comment