As per studies conducted on river dolphin, population of Gangetic river dolphin in the mainstream Ganga are known  to be stable, although there has been decline in tributaries. The important steps taken by the Government for conservation of Gangetic  river dolphin include:

1. Gangetic river dolphin is listed in the Schedule –I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, according them highest degree of protection.
2. Gangetic river dolphin has been designated as the National aquatic Animal of India.
3. The Ministry has included Gangetic river dolphin as one of the 22 critically endangered species for providing financial assistance to States under the Centrally sponsored scheme ‘Development of Wildlife habitats’.
4. Important habitats of Gangetic river dolphin along the Ganges river has been notified as Protected Areas, such as Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary, Bihar.
5. A comprehensive action plan (2022-2047) has been developed to ensure well being of the river dolphin and aquatic habitats, the role of various stakeholders and line Ministries have been identified.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Shri Ashwini Kumar Choubey in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

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MJPS/NSK

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