The recent construction of bridges on the Kulsi River has raised significant concerns for the survival of the endangered Gangetic river dolphins. These structures, particularly those with wide and tall pile caps, have constricted the movement of dolphins and fragmented their habitats. During winter, these bridges create acoustic barriers that impede the dolphins' ability to navigate and communicate, leading to fatal collisions with bridge pillars.
Unscientific Bridge Construction: The design of the bridges blocks dolphin passages, especially in lean seasons, disrupting their natural movement and habitat.
Industrial Pollution: Effluents from nearby industries, particularly those involving harmful chemicals like organophosphates, have led to several dolphin deaths.
Vested Interests: Some local groups may intentionally drive out dolphin populations to facilitate industrial expansion along the riverbanks, further endangering the dolphins
Government measures that needs to be adopted:
To address this issue, the government needs to implement stricter regulations on bridge construction and enforce pollution control measures.
Additionally, there should be efforts to restore and protect the natural habitats of the river dolphins, including regulating sand mining and industrial activities.
Increasing public awareness and involving local communities in conservation efforts are also crucial steps.
Gangetic river dolphin (Platanista gangetica):
Listed as "Endangered" by the IUCN
Protected under Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix 1
Dolphins from the Ganges river are traditionally found in the major river systems of Bangladesh, India, and Nepal (Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu).
The Ganga River main stream and its tributaries, the Ghagra, Kosi, Gandak, Chambal, Rupnarayan, and Yamuna, are the sources of the species found in the Ganga River Basin.
It is also the State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
National Ganga River Dolphin Day (5th October)
Features:
The Ganges river dolphin is practically blind and can only survive in freshwater environments.
They hunt by making ultrasonic noises that are reflected off of fish and other prey, giving them the mental capacity to "see" an image.
Often traveling in small groups or alone, a mother and calf will be seen together.
Larger than males, the females give birth to a single calf once every two to three years.
The Ganges river dolphin is a mammal that needs to surface every 30 to 120 seconds in order to breathe.