5 which is a protected area in the Gangetic plains of the Uttar Pradesh.
The officials are of the opinion that a dedicated dolphin reserve would help in the increase of dolphin population. It would also boost eco tourism in the region.
Senior forest officials had told the media that the WWF India was already involved in the conservation process. The state government would now seek its help in studying the most favourite pools that dolphins frequent.
The officials maintained that 41 dolphins are now present in the sanctuary. Gangetic dolphins fall under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act and declared an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.
The forest officials said that they are planning to develop the dedicated dolphin reserve on the lines of Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary near Bhagalpur in Bihar. The officials opined that the reserve would be developed so that it becomes one of the largest where the concentration of dolphins is found. Those deeper pools provide a conducive environment for the breeding of these dolphins, the officials added.
Gangetic dolphin population has shown a steady growth in the region. From 22 in 2015, the population rose to 41 in the 2020 census.
The WWF-India and state forest department’s divisions of five districts—Bijnor, Meerut, Hapur, Amroha and Bulandshahr—have been involved in the conservation of National Aquatic Animal since 2012.
Last year on October 5, on the occasion of World Dolphin Day, Director General of ‘Namami Gange’ Rajiv Ranjan had flagged off the ‘My Ganga, My Dolphin’ campaign at Bijnor and also inaugurated the introduction of Dolphin Safari to attract tourists in the region.
