India has launched the second nationwide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins under Project Dolphin, beginning from Bijnor in Uttar Pradesh. The exercise is designed to update population figures, assess habitat quality and identify threats across major river systems. It follows the first all-India assessment, which provided the country’s initial scientific baseline for dolphin conservation.
Survey Objectives
The new estimation will strengthen conservation planning for India’s freshwater ecosystems. It will generate updated data on dolphin numbers, distribution and habitat conditions. The survey will also help identify pressures such as pollution, river modification, fishing activity and declining water quality.
Coverage and Species
The first phase will cover the main stem of the Ganga from Bijnor to Ganga Sagar, along with the Indus River. The second phase will extend to the Brahmaputra, major tributaries of the Ganga, the Sundarbans and river systems in Odisha. The exercise will assess:
- Ganges River Dolphin
- Indus River Dolphin
- Irrawaddy Dolphin
For the first time, the Irrawaddy Dolphin will be included in the national estimation.
Implementation and Methodology
The Wildlife Institute of India is coordinating the survey with State Forest Departments and conservation partners. Field teams are using standardised methods, boats and hydrophones for underwater acoustic monitoring. Training workshops have been organised for forest staff to ensure uniform data collection across districts.
Previous Findings and Conservation Significance
The earlier nationwide survey, conducted between 2021 and 2023, estimated around 6,327 riverine dolphins in India. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar recorded the highest numbers, followed by West Bengal and Assam. The findings brought into light the importance of the Gangetic basin for dolphin conservation and for broader river health. The new survey is expected to provide stronger scientific support for evidence-based policy under Project Dolphin.
Last Modified: April 27, 2026