The Vanishing Whistle of the River Dolphin

DR SINGARAM KULANDAIVEL

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At first glance, one may ask—why worry about a shy, blind dolphin in a muddy river? The answer lies in the dolphin's role as an indicator species. Its decline signals the deterioration of the river itself. If dolphins vanish, the Ganga will no longer be able to support fish, wildlife, or people.

"When we protect the dolphin, we protect the river. And when we protect the river, we secure our own future," says a conservationist from Bhagalpur, Bihar.

For communities in West Bengal, dolphins are not just ecological treasures but also cultural symbols. Fishermen recall elders treating sightings as good omens for the day's catch. Villagers near the Hooghly celebrate dolphins as protectors of the river. Their survival is entwined with human wellbeing.

Conservation Efforts: From Policy to People

India has taken significant steps to safeguard the species. In 2009, the dolphin was declared the National Aquatic Animal, and in 2020, the government launched Project Dolphin, modeled on the success of Project Tiger.

In Bihar, the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary covers a 60 km stretch of the Ganga. In West Bengal, stretches of the Hooghly are being monitored closely. And in 2024, the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) was established at Patna University, becoming the first dedicated institution for river dolphin research in South Asia.

But conservation is no longer just about protected areas. It is about people. Across riverine states, NGOs and government agencies are working with fishermen to modify nets, adopt sustainable fishing practices, and reduce bycatch. Awareness campaigns in schools and communities are reshaping perceptions—turning dolphins from rivals into allies.

Corporate, too, have begun to play a role through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, funding river cleanups, ecotourism projects, and research.

West Bengal's Story: between Hope and Challenge