In a recent news event, a Gangetic Dolphin was cruelly beaten to death in Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. This act of killing the Gangetic River Dolphin is considered a punishable offence under the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, signifying its grave seriousness.
About the Gangetic Dolphin
Known scientifically as Platanista gangetica, the Ganges River Dolphin was officially discovered in the year 1801. These Dolphins inhabit the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems, which span across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Remarkably, the Ganges River Dolphin can only survive in freshwater and is essentially blind. Despite this apparent disadvantage, they have an incredible ability to hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds. These sounds bounce off their prey, such as fish, allowing the dolphins to visualize an image in their minds. Due to this unique hunting method, they are also colloquially known as ‘susu’. The prevalent population of this species is estimated to be 1200-1800.
Significance of the Gangetic Dolphin
The Gangetic Dolphin is not only fascinating but also a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem. Recognizing its significance, the Government of India declared it as National Aquatic Animal in 2009.
Threats to the Species
Despite its national importance, the dolphin faces several threats. One of these threats is bycatch, caused by both dolphins and humans favoring areas of the river rich in fish and with slower water currents. This competition leads to fewer fish available for people, and accidentally, more dolphins being caught and killed in fishing nets. Furthermore, pollution resulting from industrial, agricultural, and human activities seriously degrades their habitat. The construction of dams and other such irrigation projects also disrupt their living as it exposes them to inbreeding and makes them more vulnerable to other threats by limiting their movement. Dams are also responsible for heavy pollution, increased fishing activities, and vessel traffic, reducing the dolphins’ food availability by disturbing fish migration, breeding cycles, and habitats.
Conservation Status
The Gangetic Dolphin is protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. Internationally, it’s listed as ‘Endangered’ by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), under Appendix I (most endangered) of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), and as a migratory species that would benefit significantly from international cooperation under Appendix II of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS).
Conservation Efforts and Legal Provisions
In his Independence Day Speech in 2020, the Prime Minister announced the government’s plan to launch Project Dolphin, an initiative aimed at protecting and conserving the dolphin population, much like Project Tiger for tigers. Adding to this, Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary has been established in Bihar, further assisting in these efforts. Additionally, the Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges River Dolphin 2010-2020 helps identify threats to the Dolphins and evaluate the impacts of river traffic, irrigation canals, and prey-base depletion on dolphin populations. To raise awareness about and honor these unique creatures, the National Mission for Clean Ganga celebrates October 5th as National Ganga River Dolphin Day.
About the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972
This Act is crucial in providing protection to the country’s wild animals, birds, and plant species, consequently ensuring environmental and ecological security. The Act heavily restricts hunting of many animal species and provides varying degrees of protection to classes of flora and fauna. Schedule I and Schedule II offer complete protection, and offences under these schedules carry the maximum penalties. Schedule 5 includes species that can be hunted.
Related Constitutional Provisions
In order to protect and improve the environment and safeguard wildlife and forests, Article 48A directs the State to take necessary actions. This Article was added to the Constitution by the 42nd amendment in 1976. Furthermore, Article 51A imposes certain fundamental duties on the people of India, one of them being to protect and improve the natural environment including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to have compassion for living creatures.
Source: TH
