Efforts redoubled to save Gangetic dolphins

PATNA: With only about 2000 Gangetic dolphins left now, down from tens of thousands just a few decades ago, government officials entrusted with the task of conservation of this endangered species have redoubled their efforts to save the animal. "Theextinction of Gangetic dolphins will mark a serious ruffling of the ecosystem ofthe river Ganga. So it is high time that we start a campaign to save theendangered species," Surendra Singh, divisional forest officer, Patna, saidhere.Worried over the alarmingly dwindling numbers of Gangeticdolphins, the forest department has launched a concerted campaign to ensureprotection of the aquatic animal.Speaking at an awareness campaignamong fishermen and boatmen for conservation of the Gangetic dolphins here onSunday, Singh urged them to call him up at 9431815971 if they come across casesof poaching of dolphins. "These dolphins are found nowhere in theworld except in different rivers of India, Bangladesh and Nepal," ZoologicalSurvey of India's officer-in-charge, Bihar-Jharkhand, Gopal Sharma,said."It is of great importance to save the aquatic animal so as tomaintain balance in the ecosystem of the river Ganga," he added.The Gangetic dolphins have been recognized by the Government of India as national aquatic animal. International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has also classified the species as endangered.The officials were of the viewthat the number of dolphins continued to dwindle due to poaching and pollutionof rivers. Experts stressed the need to turn the stretches of the river wheredolphins are found, into tourist spots. "Watch towers can be constructed onriver banks. These will have double benefits - firstly, these will ensure safetyof endangered dolphins, and second reduce the amount of garbage dumped into theriver," Gopal Sharma said.Chief patron of Bihar Nishad MahasanghSahdev Sahni also urged fishermen and boatmen to help the forest departmentconserve Gangetic dolphins.Gangetic dolphins are protected under theForest Conservation Act 1972. Poaching of these dolphins is a non-bailableoffence, inviting imprisonment of 3 to 7 years and a fine of Rs10,000.