A viral video allegedly showing children pulling a live Gangetic dolphin out of a river and posing with it at Chapra, in Saran district, has raised concerns over the safety of the endangered aquatic species. As the footage circulated widely on social media, wildlife experts warned that such human interaction could seriously harm the dolphin, which is protected under Indian wildlife laws.
Expert Warnings on Dolphin Safety
Ravindra Kumar Sinha, popularly known as the 'Dolphin Man of India', stated that Gangetic dolphins are blind and depend on echolocation for navigation and survival. 'Pollution and declining water levels already place these dolphins under stress. Human negligence further increases the risk to their lives,' he said.
Gopal Sharma, another wildlife expert, emphasized that even human touch can push the animal into severe stress that may prove fatal. 'If a dolphin washes ashore, it should be released into water at least five feet deep without applying pressure on its belly or touching its snout,' he advised.
Need for Awareness and Conservation
Sharma stressed the importance of awareness campaigns in fishing villages, schools, and colleges near riverbanks. He also criticized the Bihar government for not fully addressing conservation needs, pointing out that the National Dolphin Research Centre in Patna remains non-functional even two years after its inauguration.
NDRC director Nesamani K said officials were verifying the authenticity and location of the video. He urged locals to immediately inform the forest department if a stranded dolphin is found. Despite the video going viral, authorities in Saran have not confirmed the dolphin's condition.
Public Outrage on Social Media
The incident triggered criticism online. One social media user posted, 'What looks 'fun' on camera is actually a sign of poor awareness and weak wildlife protection.' Another user, Faghir Bent Bashri, wrote, 'Animals are not toys or props for videos.' The incident highlights the urgent need for better wildlife education and stricter enforcement of conservation laws.
