Guwahati, Aug 10 : The Gangetic river dolphin will get a fresh lease of life with the ministry of environment and forests clearing a new programme for wildlife conservation outside the protected area network.
Several areas, where the species are found, can now be covered under the conservation programme.
“This is a major boost as dolphins are mainly found outside the protected area network and states can submit proposals for the requisite funds,” B.C. Choudhury, a senior official of the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), said.
Choudhury was addressing a review meeting on the status and conservation of the Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in the Brahmaputra river system here today.
The meeting was organised by Aaranyak, a city-based NGO, in collaboration with the Assam forest department and Zoological Society of London.
The total initial budget for the conservation programme is Rs 60 crore.
A recent study done by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) which was also co-ordinated by Aaranyak says that dolphin hotspots must be protected if the Gangetic river dolphin is to survive in the Brahmaputra river system.
Estimates have put the total population of the Gangetic river dolphins at 2,000. Of these, between 240 and 300 inhabit the Brahmaputra river system according to a recent survey by the IUCN Sir Peter Scott Fund project.
Choudhury said more focus has to be given on the conservation of the Gangetic river dolphin in the Brahmaputra river system as not much is known about it.
“India is the last stronghold of the population of river dolphins both in the Ganga and Brahmaputra and steps must be taken to protect it,” Choudhury said.
He said the Kulsi river in Kamrup can be a possible conservation area as a good number of dolphins has been found.
The WII expert said the possibility of involving the fisheries department has to be explored for the conservation of river dolphins.
Abhijit Rabha, the conservator of forests (wildlife), Assam said the recent amendments in the Wildlife Protection Act will give more teeth to wildlife officials to catch the offenders as the punishment and the fine limits have also been increased.
Abdul Wakid of Aaranyak spoke on the threats and challenges of Gangetic dolphin conservation in Brahmaputra river system.
Sandeep Behera of WWF-India dwelt on the research and conservation of the Gangetic river dolphin in upper Ganga and the role of modern technology.
Sunil Choudhury spoke on the conservation of Gangetic river dolphin in Vikramshila Dolphin sanctuary.