A total of 10 Gangetic river dolphins were reported dead across various river systems in Assam between 2020 and 2025, primarily due to accidental killings and internal injuries. This information was provided by Kirti Vardhan Singh, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change, in a written response to inquiries from Assam MP Pradyut Bordoloi in the Rajya Sabha.
Currently, the estimated population of Gangetic river dolphins in the Brahmaputra river basin stands at 584. The surveyed area spans from Sadiya to Hatsingimari. A comprehensive population survey, known as Project Dolphin, was conducted from 2021 to 2023, covering the entire range of Ganges river dolphins in both the Ganga and Brahmaputra rivers, as well as the Indus River Dolphin in the Beas river system. According to the survey, the population of Ganges river dolphins is estimated to be 6,324. Studies indicate that the population of Gangetic river dolphins in the Brahmaputra is stable; however, there have been no recent sightings in the Barak river within Assam.
Moreover, the minister mentioned that no specific studies have been conducted to assess the impact of dam construction and other infrastructure projects on areas with significant populations of Ganges river dolphins in the northeastern region. However, the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006 requires a thorough environmental clearance process, including biodiversity assessments, for dam construction projects.
For projects exceeding 50 hectares within protected areas, a biodiversity impact assessment report must be submitted for approval by the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife. The Ministry of Environment also allocates financial assistance to state governments and union territories through the centrally sponsored scheme “Development of Wildlife Habitats.” This initiative focuses on the conservation and management of protected areas, wildlife outside these areas, and recovery programs for 22 critically endangered species and their habitats, contingent upon the Annual Plan of Operations from the state governments and subject to available funding.
In total, 10 states and union territories received funding for dolphin conservation under this scheme. In the financial year 2022-23, Assam was granted ₹24.39 crore for its dolphin conservation efforts.
Original Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/assam-reports-10-gangetic-dolphin-deaths-from-2020-25/articleshow/122865315.cms
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Publish Date: 2025-07-24 04:43:00
