Patna: A regional training workshop aimed at improving the scientific estimation of riverine and estuarine dolphin populations was held in Patna on 20 January, as part of India’s second nationwide assessment cycle. The programme was jointly organised by the Bihar government’s department of environment, forest and climate change and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Held at Aranya Bhavan, the one-day event brought together forest officers, researchers and field staff involved in dolphin monitoring across the state. The workshop was inaugurated with a ceremonial lighting of the lamp, with Abhay Kumar, additional principal chief conservator of forests and chief wildlife warden of Bihar, and Surendra Kumar Singh, additional principal chief conservator of forests (CAMPA), attending as chief guests.
Addressing participants, Kumar underlined the importance of conservation-driven, scientific monitoring of the Gangetic dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal. Singh said that Bihar had seen a steady rise in dolphin numbers over recent years and expressed optimism that the latest round of estimation would reflect continued improvement.
Technical sessions formed the core of the workshop, with experts from the Wildlife Institute of India outlining standardised survey methods. Dr Vishnupriya Kolipakam, project leader at WII, presented an overview of the rangewide riverine and estuarine dolphin assessment, while Dr Sunny Deori explained detailed population estimation techniques. Sessions were also held on recording dolphin habitats, human activities and other riverine fauna.
As part of the hands-on training, WII’s dolphin survey team demonstrated the use of specialised survey equipment to field staff. Participants later travelled to Bhadra Ghat in Patna City, where practical training was conducted on the Ganga river to familiarise teams with real-world survey conditions.
Officials said the workshop was designed to ensure that officers and frontline staff are equipped with uniform, scientific tools for accurate dolphin estimation. The initiative is expected to strengthen conservation planning and improve the effectiveness of dolphin protection programmes across Bihar.
The event was attended by senior forest officials including S. Sudhakar, conservator of forests, Patna, and S. Kumar Swamy, regional chief conservator of forests, Bhagalpur, along with researchers and departmental field personnel.
