New dolphin sanctuary to come up in UP's Chambal in efforts to save endangered Ganges river species

Are you as fascinated with the playful, jolly and agile creatures that dolphins are as any average human is? If yes, gear up for a unique dolphin sanctuary arriving soon at the National Chambal Sanctuary in Uttar Pradesh.

A proposal for the same has been sent by the Deputy Conservator of Forest (Wildlife), NCS Project, Arushi Mishra, to the state government. The soon-to-come-up sanctuary will be set at Sahson of Chambal. Sahson has the presence of some 50-80 dolphins in an area of over 20 kms.

National Chambal Sanctuary is a tri-state (in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh) protected area and home to the critically endangered gharial, red-crowned roof turtle and the endangered Ganges river dolphins.

The Ganges river dolphins (or 'Susu'), also the national aquatic animal of India, once lived in Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna, Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. However, the species has gotten extinct from most spaces. These endangered species can only survive in freshwater and is essentially blind.

“The proposal for the dolphin sanctuary is meant for the conservation of dolphins,” Mishra said. Regarding the new sanctuary, the Centre has identified two locations. The sites chosen are Varanasi and Chambal.

As per WWF stats, globally, there are approximately 2,500-3,000 Ganges river dolphins left in the wild. According to the 2021 census, around 671 have been found in UP rivers, including 78 sighted in Chambal river.