Context: Recently, a publication, titled “Rescuing Ganges river dolphins (Platanista gangetica) from irrigation canals in Uttar Pradesh, North India, 2013-2020”, has revealed that 19 Gangetic river dolphins had been rescued from the irrigation canals of the Ganga-Ghagra basin in Uttar Pradesh between 2013 and 2020.

Rescue Operations Conducted in the Ganga-Ghagra Basin

• Between 2013 and 2020, 24 rescue operations were conducted in the Ganga-Ghagra basin in Uttar Pradesh to rescue Gangetic river dolphins from irrigation canals.

• Out of these operations, 19 were successful in rescuing dolphins, while five dolphins unfortunately died during the rescue efforts.

• Demographics: The rescued dolphins included 14 females and 10 males. The total body length (TBL) of the dolphins ranged from 128 cm to 275 cm, with variations between male and female dolphins.

Key findings

• 24 rescue operations had been conducted from 2013 to 2020 (19 successful rescue operations) and five dolphins had died.

• Dams and barrages had severely affected this habitat as dolphins moved into irrigation canals where they were at a risk of injury or death from multiple factors, such as rapidly receding waters, heat stroke and human interferences.

• The dolphins may either stray into the canal while following prey upstream or get flushed into the canal by a sudden discharge of water from the barrage gates.

• Over 70% of entrapments were reported either post monsoon or during peak winter.

How Ganga-Ghagra Basin poses threats to Gangetic River Dolphins?

• Habitat Fragmentation: Dams, barrages, and irrigation canals fragment the natural habitat of the Gangetic river dolphins. These structures disrupt the continuity of river systems and can isolate dolphin populations. As a result, dolphins may find themselves confined to the canals, limiting their access to their natural river habitats.

• Risk of Entrapment: The canals create artificial waterways that may lead dolphins away from their natural river channels. These dolphins can become trapped in the canals, as the structures may not provide easy exit points for them. The confined spaces of the canals increase the risk of dolphins getting stuck, unable to return to the main river.

• For example: In the recent operation the entrapment of dolphins over 70% was reported primarily post-monsoon or during peak winter, indicating a connection between straying incidents and water release into canals after the monsoon. The other 30% of dolphins were rescued during peak summer when water levels fall and the minimum water flow is maintained.

• Rapidly Receding Waters: Irrigation canals are designed to transport water for agricultural purposes, and water levels can fluctuate rapidly. Dolphins may enter canals following prey or other factors and may not anticipate sudden changes in water levels. When water levels drop rapidly, dolphins can become stranded or injured.

• Heat Stroke: Canals in the Ganga-Ghagra Basin can be exposed to intense sunlight, leading to elevated water temperatures. Dolphins are sensitive to temperature changes, and exposure to hot water can cause heat stroke and distress, potentially leading to injuries or fatalities.

• Human Interference: The presence of humans in and around canals can pose threats to dolphins. Activities such as fishing, boat traffic, and watercraft collisions can harm dolphins directly or disrupt their behavior.

• Limited Prey Base: The canals may not provide an ideal environment for the dolphins' natural prey, which includes fish. Limited food availability in the canals can lead to malnutrition and decreased reproductive success among dolphin populations.

• Seasonal Water Flow: Seasonal changes in water flow, such as during the monsoon or dry seasons, can influence the movement of dolphins. Water releases into canals during the monsoon may attract dolphins, but subsequent decreases in water flow can result in entrapment.

About Ghagra River Basin

• The river begins on the southern slopes of the Himalayas in Tibet, in the Mapchachungo glaciers, at an elevation of about 3962 meters.

• The river flows south through Nepal as the Karnali River, passing through one of Nepal's most desolate and unexplored regions.

• The Seti River, which drains the western part of the catchment and joins the Karnali River in Doti north of Dundras Hill, is a 202-kilometer-long stream that feeds this river.

• The Bheri River, which runs for 264 kilometres through the eastern part of the Catchment and converges with the Karnali River near Kuineghat in Surkhet, is another feeder stream.

Key Facts

• Ghagra is the Left-Bank tributary of Ganga.

• Rara National Park and Royal Bardia Wildlife Park are two other parks along the river's banks of Ghagra River.

Global efforts to protect dolphins

• In 2016, the International Whaling Commission’s (IWC) scientific committee recognized that both Ganges and Indus river dolphins require prompt and coordinated action to protect them from imminent threats.

• In 2017, the IWC created the Asian River Dolphin Task Team (AR-TT) to identify information gaps and research priorities and develop concerted action for the protection of the Ganges and Indus river species in their range.

Initiatives of the Government to Protect Dolphins in India

• National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC): It is on the 4,400 square metre plot of land on the premises of Patna University for the conservation of the endangered Gangetic river dolphin.

• Dolphin Sanctuary: The Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary has been established in Bihar.

• National Ganga River Dolphin Day: On October 5, the National Mission for Clean Ganga observes National Ganga River Dolphin Day.

• Conservation Action Plan for the Ganges River Dolphin 2010-2020, which "identified threats to Gangetic Dolphins and the impact of river traffic, irrigation canals, and prey depletion on Dolphin populations."

• Project Dolphin: Project Dolphin is a conservation effort for Ganges river dolphins and the riverine ecosystem, by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. It entails conducting systematic status assessments of target species and potential threats in order to develop and implement a conservation action plan.

Ganges river dolphins (Platanista gangetica)

• The Ganges river dolphin can only live in freshwater and is essentially blind.

• They hunt by emitting ultrasonic sounds or by echolocation.

• They are frequently found alone or in small groups, and generally a mother and calf travel together.

• Females are larger than males and give birth once every two to three years to only one calf.

• Gangetic dolphins are the National aquatic animal of India.

• National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) has accorded the 5th October as National Dolphin Day in 2022.

Conservation Status

The Ganges river dolphin is in;

• Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972,

• Appendix 1 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)

• Appendix 1 of the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) and

• It is as “endangered” on the IUCN Red List.