NEWS: UNEP recognised India’s Ganges dolphin recovery programme as one of the 35 UN World Restoration Flagships.

ABOUT GANGES DOLPHIN

• Scientific name: Platanista gangetica.
• National Aquatic Animal of India; state aquatic animal of Assam.
• IUCN: Endangered.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.
• CITES: Appendix I.
• Freshwater cetacean, locally called Susu.

KEY FEATURES

• Habitat: Ganga–Brahmaputra–Meghna and Karnaphuli–Sangu river systems.
• Echolocation: Functionally blind; uses ultrasonic clicks to navigate and hunt.
• Indicator species: Reflects river ecosystem health.
• Adaptation: Sideways swimming helps catch prey near riverbeds.

RECOVERY PROGRAMME

• Action Plan (2022–2047): Long-term conservation under MoEFCC and Project Dolphin.
• Community participation: Ganga Praharis, fishers and local youth support conservation.
• Green jobs: Eco-tourism, rescue operations + surveillance.
• River rejuvenation: Works with National Mission for Clean Ganga to improve water quality and environmental flows.
• Protects habitats, including Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Conserves freshwater biodiversity.
• Promotes river ecosystem restoration.
• Combines wildlife protection with sustainable livelihoods.