The forest department in Prayagraj has launched a volunteer network called Dolphin Friends to protect the endangered Gangetic dolphin and improve awareness among river-dependent communities. The initiative focuses on monitoring dolphin movement, involving local stakeholders, and strengthening conservation efforts in the Ganga river system. It comes amid signs of population recovery and better aquatic health in parts of Uttar Pradesh.
Volunteer Network for Conservation
The new network brings together fishermen, boatmen, research scholars and teachers. These groups are being engaged because of their close familiarity with river routes and dolphin behaviour. Officials see this as a practical model for conservation, with local participation expected to improve reporting and protection.
Seasonal Monitoring and Habitat Protection
Special monitoring will be intensified during the monsoon, which is the breeding season for Gangetic dolphins. Teams have already been deployed at key locations and are required to submit regular reports. Hotspots identified for heightened surveillance include Phaphamau, Chhatnag and Meja in the Prayagraj region.
Population Trends and Ecological Significance
Recent surveys indicate a rise in dolphin numbers in major river systems. The Ganga and Brahmaputra together now support a larger population than earlier estimates, with Uttar Pradesh holding a major share. In the Prayagraj stretch of the Ganga, the dolphin count has reportedly increased, suggesting improved water quality and ecological conditions. Experts note that dolphins survive only in clean and undisturbed water, making them an important indicator species for river health.
Project Dolphin and Future Action Plan
The initiative is aligned with Project Dolphin under the Namami Gange Programme. A targeted action plan has been prepared for identified habitats in Prayagraj, Patna and Fatehpur. The programme may later include modest remuneration for volunteers, while scientific support from academic institutions is also being explored to strengthen conservation and outreach.
Last Modified: April 25, 2026