Gangetic river dolphins in Assam decline in the wake of anthropogenic pressures
- August 26, 2022
- Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
- Category: DPN Topics
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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 5th 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.