Uttar Pradesh hosts nearly 40% of India’s river dolphin population

Uttar Pradesh is home to 2,397 of the nation’s 6,327 river dolphins

Yogi govt’s conservation efforts pay off: Gangetic dolphin declared UP’s State Aquatic Animal in 2023

Lucknow : At the seventh National Wildlife Board meeting at Gir National Park, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled India’s first river dolphin estimation report, confirming 6,327 river dolphins nationwide.

Uttar Pradesh led with 2,397, followed by Bihar (2,220), West Bengal (815), and Assam (635). The survey spanned 3,150 days, covering 8,500 km across 28 rivers in eight states.

The Yogi government’s strong focus on conserving forests, the environment, and aquatic wildlife has significantly contributed to these results. On October 17, 2023, the Ganges dolphin was declared the state aquatic animal of Uttar Pradesh.

The presence of Gangetic dolphins has been confirmed in rivers such as the Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ghaghra, Rapti, and Gerua within the state.