Gangetic river dolphins in Assam decline in the wake of anthropogenic pressures

Subject :Environment

Section: Biodiversity

Assam’s Brahmaputra and the tributaries Kulsi and Subansiri are strongholds of the endangered Gangetic river dolphin. However, local communities and researchers note decline in populations.
Dolphins in the Kulsi river are affected by relentless mechanised sand mining on the banks.
The construction of dams in several regions in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh cut through dolphin habitats and limit the access to prey.
Dolphins are more or less extinct in the Barak river system, with a handful found in tributaries such as Kushiyara and Soorma.

Gangetic river dolphin

It was recognised as the National Aquatic Animal in 2009, by the Government of India.
They live in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater and is essentially blind.
Nearly 80% of total Gangetic river dolphin found in the Indian subcontinent.
It is a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem.

Conservation Status

Indian Wildlife (Protection), Act 1972: Schedule I.
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Endangered.
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I (most endangered).
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix II (migratory species that need conservation and management or would significantly benefit from international co-operation).

Government initiative:

Project Dolphin: The Prime Minister announced the government’s plan to launch a Project Dolphin in his Independence Day Speech 2020. It is on the lines of Project Tiger, which has helped increase the tiger population.
Dolphin Sanctuary: Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary has been established in Bihar.
National Ganga River Dolphin Day: The National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrates 5^th October as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.

Ranganadi River

The Ranganadi River (also known as Paniyor River) is a sub-tributary of the Brahmaputra River in the Indian state of Assam.
The river originates from Nilam, Marta and Tapo mountain ranges of Himalayan foothills of Arunachal Pradesh.
The Ranganadi river then enters Assam at Johing of Lakhimpur district and flows 60 km through Lakhimpur district before its confluence with the Subansiri River at Pokoniaghat of Lakhimpur district.