India Launches Second Dolphin Census in Bijnor, Training Forest Officials
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change launched a major initiative on Friday. They started the second rangewide estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphins across India. This important work falls under Project Dolphin. The ministry held its first regional training workshop in Uttar Pradesh's Bijnor district.
Forest Officials Receive Intensive Training
Forest officials from thirteen districts participated in a one-day intensive program. The districts included Bijnor, Amroha, Meerut, Bulandshahar, Hapur and Sambhal. The workshop focused on enhancing technical skills for scientific dolphin surveys.
Participants learned hands-on river survey methods. The training familiarised them with field-level data collection techniques. Experts from the Wildlife Institute of India conducted the sessions.
Expert-Led Sessions Cover Key Topics
Dr Vishnupriya Kolipakam, Prof Qamar Qureshi and Dr Vineet Singh led the training. They covered several important topics during the workshop.
- Dolphin ecology and behavior patterns
- Scientific survey design and methodology
- Standardised protocols for data collection
- Proper data recording techniques
- Key conservation challenges facing dolphins
The initiative represents a collaborative effort. WII is working with the forest department and various NGOs. Their goal is to generate reliable scientific data for dolphin conservation.
Field Surveys Begin in Bijnor
Gyan Singh, assistant conservator of forest in Bijnor, spoke about the program's importance. He emphasised the critical need to conserve the Gangetic river dolphin. Singh highlighted the frontline role of forest staff in protecting riverine biodiversity.
Starting Saturday, a team of thirty WII researchers began field work. They are collaborating with the forest department and WWF-India. The team started dolphin surveys from the Bijnor Ganga barrage.
This location marks where the Ganga river enters Uttar Pradesh. Last year, surveyors spotted at least fifty-five dolphins at the barrage. Officials expect to find higher numbers this year.
Building on Previous Census Results
Forest department officials provided context about previous efforts. India released its first comprehensive river dolphin census in March 2025. That survey happened under Project Dolphin as well.
The census estimated 6,327 dolphins across twenty-eight rivers. Most were Gangetic river dolphins. The count included three Indus dolphins.
Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers with 2,397 dolphins. Bihar followed closely with 2,220 dolphins. These results highlight the urgent need for targeted conservation efforts.
The new training and survey initiative aims to build on this foundation. Officials hope to gather more accurate data about dolphin populations. This information will guide future conservation strategies across India's river systems.
