The dwindling population of Gangetic Dolphins in the Chambal River, Madhya Pradesh has drawn escalating concerns, as reflected by a recent census report from the regional forest department. The data reveals a startling 13% decrease in dolphin numbers over the past four years. From a robust 78 in 2016, the dolphin count has plunged to an alarming 68 in the 435-kilometre-long Chambal river sanctuary that traverses through Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan.
The Carrying Capacity and Initial Dolphin Sighting
The Chambal River’s maximum carrying capacity allows for up to 125 dolphins given the availability of food, habitat, water, and other resources. The Gangetic Dolphins were first sighted in the river in 1985 near Etawah, Uttar Pradesh. At this point, the dolphin population was over 110, a stark contrast to the current dwindling figures.
Factors Driving the Decline
Several reasons contribute to the decline in the dolphin population in Chambal. Unfavorable habitat conditions present a significant issue, with threats of hunting and entanglement in fishing gear amplified by fragmented habitats. Poaching, not only for dolphins but also for gharials, is increasingly prevalent due to habitat fragmentation.
Environmental Damages
Illegal sand mining is rampant in the region, particularly in Bhind and Morena in Madhya Pradesh and Dholpur in Rajasthan. This activity threatens the overall ecosystem of the river. Added to this, the local community continuously withdraws water from the Chambal River, leading to a gradual decrease in water levels and putting marine life at risk.
Lack of Support and Research
Despite these challenges, the forest team rarely receives support from locals. Furthermore, the need for thorough studies on the dolphins’ environment and communication systems is stark and critical. The Madhya Pradesh Forest Department has collaborated with Wildlife Institute of India scientists to facilitate research on these aspects.
About the Gangetic Dolphin
The Gangetic Dolphin, scientifically known as ‘Platanista gangetica’, is a highly intelligent freshwater mammal. It is found in parts of the Ganges-Meghna-Brahmaputra and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. This species requires at least 3 meters depth and 266.42-289.67 m3 per second flow of water for sustainable habitat.
Threats and Conservation Measures
Gangetic Dolphins face numerous threats beyond habitat destruction and poaching. Pollution constitutes a significant danger to their survival. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has categorized the species under ‘Endangered’. It is also protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and Appendix-I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district is the only sanctuary dedicated to dolphins in India. With the current rate of decline in the dolphin population, it is pertinent to take prompt conservation measures, lest we lose this unique species forever.