River Dolphins: 7 Powerful Ways India Is Saving These Incredible Creatures

India’s Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers are home to over 6,300 river dolphins, mainly the endangered Gangetic dolphin, which is also the country’s national aquatic animal. Unlike ocean dolphins, these freshwater species are nearly blind, swim sideways, and rely on echolocation to navigate murky waters. A recent nationwide survey, the first of its kind, revealed alarming threats to their survival, including accidental entanglement in fishing nets, poaching for oil, and increasing noise from river cruise tourism.

Despite over 500 dolphin deaths since 1980, conservation efforts have grown, especially after the species gained national status in 2009. Initiatives like a 2020 action plan and a dedicated dolphin research centre launched in 2024 aim to protect their future. However, enforcement of wildlife laws has been a challenge, as many fishermen avoid reporting dolphin deaths to escape legal trouble. The dolphins’ slow reproduction rate and vulnerability to boat collisions further increase their risk of extinction.

Still, conservationists remain hopeful that with stronger action and awareness, India can secure a safer future for its river dolphins.

River Dolphins: 7 Powerful Ways India Is Saving These Incredible Creatures

India’s Ganges River is home to a unique creature—the Gangetic river dolphin. Unlike their ocean-dwelling relatives, these freshwater dolphins don’t leap above the water or swim upright. Instead, they glide sideways, spend most of their lives underwater, and use their long snouts to navigate. Nearly blind, they rely on sound to “see” their surroundings.

Recognized as India’s national aquatic animal since 2009, these dolphins belong to a rare group of river-dwelling species. They primarily inhabit the Ganges and Brahmaputra river systems in northern India. A recent nationwide survey (2021–2023) led by the Wildlife Institute of India found around 6,327 river dolphins in Indian waters. Shockingly, only three were Indus dolphins (mostly found in Pakistan), while the rest were Gangetic dolphins. Both species are classified as “endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), signaling a high risk of extinction.

A Precarious Existence

River dolphins are often called “living fossils” because they evolved from oceanic ancestors millions of years ago. When ancient seas flooded parts of South Asia, these dolphins adapted to freshwater rivers. Over time, they developed traits suited to shallow, muddy waters. But today, their survival is under serious threat.

Since the 1980s, more than 500 dolphins have died—many caught accidentally in fishing nets, and others hunted for their meat or oil. Some fishermen illegally kill them, using dolphin oil as bait. Despite existing legal protections, enforcement remains a major challenge. Many fishermen hide accidental dolphin deaths to avoid prosecution under India’s strict wildlife laws, which treat such incidents as poaching. Instead of reporting the casualties, they quietly dispose of the bodies.

Conservation Efforts Offer Hope

In 2009, naming the Gangetic dolphin as India’s national aquatic animal spurred several conservation efforts. A 2020 action plan aimed to protect habitats, reduce pollution, and promote community involvement. By 2024, a specialized research center had been established to study and safeguard the species. These efforts have helped stabilize some populations, but the threats haven’t disappeared.

New Challenges Emerge

One rising concern is river tourism. Luxury cruises on the Ganges and Brahmaputra create significant noise pollution, disrupting the dolphins’ already fragile habitat. Experts warn that increased boat traffic could push the Gangetic dolphin down the same path as China’s Yangtze River dolphin, which went extinct in the early 2000s due to human interference.

Gangetic dolphins are biologically vulnerable. Their poor eyesight forces them to rely on echolocation—a natural sonar using sound waves—to find food and navigate. But noise from boats and industrial activity interferes with this ability, leaving them confused and unable to hunt. Their slow reproductive rate also hinders recovery; females mature between 6 and 10 years and give birth to only one calf every few years. Even small population losses can have long-lasting effects.

Why Conservation Matters

Protecting these dolphins isn’t just about saving a single species—it’s about preserving entire river ecosystems. As top predators, they help maintain a balance in fish populations and are a strong indicator of healthy river systems. Millions of people rely on these rivers for drinking water, agriculture, and daily life, so the health of the dolphin population reflects the health of the rivers themselves.

A Path Forward

Conservationists like Ravindra Kumar Sinha, often called India’s “Dolphin Man,” remain optimistic. Public awareness campaigns are helping educate local communities about the importance of river dolphins. Programs promoting dolphin-friendly fishing gear and eco-tourism are showing promise in reducing pressure on the species and offering alternative livelihoods.

Government actions—such as designating dolphin conservation zones and targeting plastic pollution—play a key role. But long-term success depends on cooperation among scientists, policymakers, and communities. Transparent reporting of dolphin deaths, rather than silence driven by fear of punishment, is essential for addressing accidental bycatch and improving response strategies.

The Road Ahead

Despite the challenges, there are signs of progress. The recent dolphin census provides a crucial baseline for future conservation work, and active protection efforts are gaining momentum. Public engagement is growing—social media campaigns, educational programs, and school outreach are creating a sense of collective responsibility.

The fate of India’s river dolphins is a race against time. But with continued commitment, smarter policies, and widespread community support, there is real hope. As Sinha wisely puts it, “Every small step counts. Protecting these dolphins means protecting our rivers—and ultimately, ourselves.”

The survival of the Gangetic dolphin is not just a wildlife issue—it’s a reflection of India’s broader dedication to biodiversity. If the country can balance development with conservation, these ancient river dwellers might still have a thriving future.