NATIONAL DOLPHIN RESEARCH CENTRE (NDRC)

TAG: GS-3: BIODIVERSITY & ENVIRONMENT

CONTEXT: Recently, Months of inactivity at National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna, Bihar highlight official neglect in conservation efforts; officials say operations will begin in this financial year 2024-25.

EXPLANATION:

About the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC):

• • National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) has been set up on the premises of Patna University.
    • It is located Near Ganga.
  • This Centre is stretched around 4,400 square meters.
  • Its strategic location is very helpful for researchers to examine dolphins in their natural habitat.
    • It will study how dolphins behave, what they eat, and why they die.
    • The center will also teach fishermen how to keep dolphins safe while fishing.

Significance of setting up NDRC:

• • Conservation of Endangered Gangetic Dolphins
  • Collecting important Data about the dolphin population.
  • Creation of conservation plans.
  • Maintenance of Ecological Balance
  • Awareness and Education of significance of this species

Current Status:

• • Non-operational: The center remains defunct due to lack of equipment and skilled manpower.
  • Delay Impact: Delayed vital research on Gangetic dolphins’ habitat, behavior, and threats.

Government Response:

• • Assurance by Officials: Bihar Forest and Chief Wildlife Warden PK Gupta stated the center would function within the current financial year.
  • Proposed Activities: Research on Gangetic dolphins, training fishermen on dolphin-friendly practices, and habitat protection.

Challenges and Neglect:

• • Administrative Delays:
    • Approved in 2013 but construction started only in 2020 due to procedural hurdles.
    • Non-operational eight months post-inauguration.
  • Local Issues: Stray animals, locked premises, and lack of security highlight neglect.

About Gangetic River Dolphins:

• • The Ganges River Dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India. It is also known as the “Tiger of the Ganges”
  • The Ganges River dolphin was officially discovered in 1801.
  • It is one of only four types of freshwater dolphins in the world. It was found in the Yangtze River in China (but is now extinct), the Indus River in Pakistan, and the Amazon River in South America.
  • Features: These are essentially blind. 

Importance of Gangetic River Dolphins:

• Status:
  • • India’s national aquatic animal; classified as endangered under Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and IUCN.
    • Among four freshwater dolphin species worldwide.
• Ecology:
  • • Found in India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
    • Blind; use echolocation to navigate and hunt.
    • Thrive deep, fish-rich, low-current waters.
• Population: Approximately 3,000 in India, half in Bihar.

Associated Environmental Concerns:

• • Bhagalpur Bridge Collapse (October 2024): Endangered dolphin habitat due to debris; highlighted by National Green Tribunal.
  • Threats: Pollution, habitat loss, waterway construction, and fishing practices.

Way Forward:

• • Awareness Campaigns: Highlight the significance of Gangetic dolphins to public and stakeholders.
  • Community Engagement: Train fishermen in dolphin-safe fishing practices.
  • Operationalise NDRC: Allocate advanced equipment and skilled manpower immediately.
  • Enhance Research: Focus on understanding behavior, habitat needs, and conservation threats.
  • Policy and Regulation: Enforce stricter measures to reduce industrial pollution and habitat encroachments.

Source:
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/wildlife-biodiversity/indias-first-dolphin-research-centre-remains-non-operational-8-months-since-inauguration