Counting River Royals: India Launches Second Dolphin Census Across Its Waterways

Updated: January 17, 2026 22:30

Image Source: WOWNEWS24X7

The Union Environment Ministry has launched India’s second nationwide dolphin census under Project Dolphin. Beginning in Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, the survey spans the Ganga, Indus, Brahmaputra, Sundarbans, and Odisha waters. Using advanced acoustic tools, researchers aim to assess dolphin populations, habitats, and threats, strengthening conservation of these endangered species.

India has taken another decisive step in wildlife conservation with the launch of its second nationwide dolphin census, a comprehensive survey under Project Dolphin. This initiative, announced by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, seeks to provide updated insights into the status of riverine and estuarine dolphins across the country.

Key Highlights of the Census

Survey Kick-off: The programme commenced from Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, covering the Ganga’s main stem up to Ganga Sagar and extending to the Indus River in the first phase.
Expanded Scope: The second phase will include the Brahmaputra basin, Ganga tributaries, Sundarbans, and Odisha’s coastal waters, ensuring a holistic assessment of dolphin habitats.
Species Focus: Beyond the iconic Gangetic dolphin, the census will also evaluate populations of Indus River dolphins and Irrawaddy dolphins, alongside habitat conditions and threats.
Technology in Action: Researchers are deploying hydrophones for underwater acoustic monitoring, enabling precise detection of dolphin presence and behavior.
Collaborative Effort: The survey is coordinated by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, with support from state forest departments and conservation partners like WWF India, Aaranyak, and Wildlife Trust of India.

Why It Matters

The previous nationwide survey (2021–23) estimated 6,327 riverine dolphins in India, highlighting both progress and persistent challenges.
Dolphins are recognized as indicator species, reflecting the health of river ecosystems. Their conservation directly supports biodiversity, fisheries, and water quality.
The census will help refine policy frameworks, river management strategies, and community-based conservation models, aligning with India’s broader environmental commitments.

Broader Context

This initiative comes at a time when freshwater ecosystems face mounting pressures from pollution, dam construction, and climate change. By expanding the scope to estuarine species like the Irrawaddy dolphin, India signals its intent to integrate coastal and riverine conservation into a unified strategy.

Sources: DD News On Air, Hindustan TimesHindustan Times, New Indian Express

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