India’s rivers are home to one of the world’s most iconic and endangered freshwater mammals—the Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica). Once thriving across the extensive Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems, this unique species has seen its habitat shrink and its population face a growing list of threats.
Despite being India’s national aquatic animal, and the subject of dedicated conservation efforts, these dolphins are quietly disappearing. A recent report confirmed that India currently has an estimated 6,327 river dolphins, most of which are concentrated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Assam. But conservationists warn that unless immediate action is taken to curb human-induced threats, these numbers could fall further—risking the extinction of one of India’s most significant freshwater species.
The Endangered Ganges River Dolphin: An Overview
Ganges river dolphins are unique to the Indian subcontinent. These blind mammals rely on echolocation to navigate and hunt, a remarkable adaptation to the often murky, sediment-rich waters of the Ganges and its tributaries. Unlike their marine counterparts, these dolphins are solitary, shy, and rarely seen, making them both mysterious and vulnerable.
They are classified as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and their populations have dwindled over the past few decades due to multiple ecological and anthropogenic pressures.
Population and Distribution
The latest assessment, published by the Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in 2024, reported a total of 6,327 dolphins across India’s river systems. The state of Uttar Pradesh accounted for the highest numbers with 2,397 individuals, followed closely by Bihar with 2,220, and Assam with several hundred more.
The dolphins primarily inhabit the Ganga and Brahmaputra river systems, but are also found in tributaries like the Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, and Son rivers. These smaller rivers are increasingly being recognised as critical habitats, especially as development along the main rivers pushes the dolphins into more remote or less disturbed areas.
Why Are the Dolphins in Trouble?
While the recent census data may seem encouraging at first glance, experts caution that numbers alone don’t tell the full story. The reality is that the Ganges river dolphin is facing multiple severe threats, many of which are intensifying.
1. Habitat Fragmentation and Infrastructure Projects
One of the most damaging factors has been the construction of dams and barrages, which have fragmented the dolphins’ natural habitat and restricted their movement. These structures often cut off key breeding and feeding grounds, leading to isolated dolphin populations that can’t interact or mate, ultimately weakening their genetic pool.
2. Pollution and Water Contamination
The Ganges and its tributaries are heavily polluted with untreated sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and plastic waste. These pollutants not only degrade the dolphins’ habitat but also contaminate their food supply, leading to health complications and lower birth rates.
3. Entanglement in Fishing Gear
The widespread use of gill nets and illegal fishing practices puts dolphins at constant risk of injury or death through entanglement. Many dolphins suffer fatal cuts or drown after being trapped in nets meant for fish. Despite existing guidelines, enforcement remains a challenge.
4. Decline in Fish Populations
Overfishing and declining water quality have led to a reduction in fish, which are the dolphins’ primary food source. A loss of prey means dolphins are forced to travel farther and expend more energy to find food, often coming into closer contact with human activity and danger.
5. Climate Change and River Drying
Reduced river flows, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures are leading to lower water levels in many regions. Shallow, warm waters are less hospitable to dolphins and exacerbate the effects of pollution and isolation.
Conservation Efforts and Government Action
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Indian government launched Project Dolphin in 2021 under the Ministry of Environment. This national mission aims to protect both riverine and marine dolphin species through a combination of habitat restoration, community involvement, and scientific monitoring.
Some key initiatives under Project Dolphin include:
- Mapping and protecting dolphin habitats, especially in critical tributaries.
- Training fishermen and local communities to adopt dolphin-friendly practices.
- Raising awareness through National Dolphin Day, celebrated annually on October 5th.
- Collaboration with state forest departments and NGOs to support on-ground efforts.
In addition, several states have launched state-level dolphin conservation action plans, such as Uttar Pradesh’s 2023 strategy which includes dolphin rescue centres, eco-tourism opportunities, and strict anti-poaching enforcement.
The Role of Communities and Scientists
Local communities, especially those living in close proximity to river systems, are central to dolphin conservation. In many areas, community-driven projects are helping monitor dolphin sightings, report threats, and build awareness about coexistence.
Scientific studies and surveys are also playing a crucial role. A 2023-2024 study conducted across the Ganga basin identified over 600 kilometres of priority river stretches that require urgent protection. These areas have been flagged for enhanced conservation investment, including stricter pollution control and habitat preservation.
International collaborations with conservation organisations like WWF-India and Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) have also brought attention to the plight of river dolphins and helped provide technical support for population monitoring and public education.
What More Needs to Be Done?
Despite positive steps, many challenges persist:
- Stronger enforcement of anti-pollution laws and fishing regulations is needed.
- Ecological flow requirements must be integrated into dam and irrigation projects to maintain dolphin habitats.
- Cross-border coordination is essential, especially with Nepal and Bangladesh, since river systems and dolphin ranges extend beyond national boundaries.
- Long-term funding and public-private partnerships are necessary to scale conservation programmes and research.
Experts agree that dolphins are indicator species—their presence signals a healthy river ecosystem. Protecting them, therefore, is not just about saving one animal but about ensuring the broader ecological health of India’s rivers.
Final Thoughts
The Ganges river dolphin, once widespread and revered, now faces an uncertain future. Yet, with over 6,000 individuals still present, there is still hope for recovery—if India acts swiftly and decisively.
Conserving this species will require a multi-pronged approach that balances development with ecology, incorporates local communities, and holds polluters and lawbreakers accountable.
If India can protect its dolphins, it will not only preserve a unique and irreplaceable part of its natural heritage—it will also secure the health and sustainability of its rivers for generations to come.
