Patna: The impact of the river ranching program in the Ganga River in Bihar is becoming increasingly evident, with a notable increase in the Gangetic dolphin population observed in recent years. Over the past three years, the Fisheries Department has released over 1.10 crore fish seeds into the river, leading to a significant rise in fish stocks and consequently, a 30% increase in dolphin numbers in certain areas.
This positive trend is particularly pronounced in the stretch between Gat Ghat and Triveni Ghat in Fatuha, where the availability of abundant food has fueled Gangetic dolphin growth.
An increase in dolphin sightings has also been observed in parts of Munger, Vaishali, Begusarai, and Bhagalpur. In Patna alone, the release of two crore fish seeds has significantly enhanced fish populations along the river.
In 2024, the Fisheries Department released 1.18 crore fish seeds into the Ganga River through the river ranching program. Additionally, 42 lakh seeds were released into the river’s tributaries, with a target of 75.54 lakh seeds. This initiative involves releasing fish seeds at 32 locations across 22 districts.
Gangetic Dolphins primarily feed on small fish, shrimp, squid, jellyfish, and octopus. The increased availability of fish due to the seed release program has provided a rich food source for dolphins, contributing to their population growth.
The river ranching scheme was initiated by the Central Government in 2021 to address the declining fish population in the Ganga River due to increasing pollution. Under this program, 20-40 lakh fish fry are released into the Ganga and its tributaries at regular intervals.
Furthermore, the Fisheries Department has mandated that fish farmers release one percent of their hatchery production into the river. This initiative has resulted in the voluntary release of 1.87 lakh fish by fishermen in the past year.
The decline in fish populations has adversely impacted the ecosystem of the Ganga River, leading to a decrease in the number of birds and other aquatic animals. The river ranching program aims to restore the ecological balance of the river and ensure the long-term sustainability of its aquatic life.
