Patna: Dr. Prem Kumar, Minister of the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bihar, visited the National Dolphin Research Centre at Patna on Wednesday. The Centre, located at Law College Ghat, Rani Ghat, is set to become the first of its kind in India and Asia, dedicated to dolphin research. During the visit, he was accompanied by Gaurav Ojha, Divisional Forest Officer, Patna, Subodh Kumar Gupta, Divisional Forest Officer, Park Division, Patna, Dr. Gopal Sharma, Interim Director, and other senior officials.
The Centre, spread over 4400 square meters in the Patna University campus, was inaugurated on March 3, 2024, by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. It has been built at a cost of Rs 30.50 crore and features a three-story building. Dr. Kumar explored various research sections and was briefed by Dr. Sharma on ongoing projects. The Centre will also host a dolphin autopsy lab and a dolphin interpretation center to educate the public on the species and other protected animals.
The research facility will focus on studying dolphins, as well as other endangered species like gharials, turtles, and otters, contributing to both conservation and eco-tourism efforts. Bihar is currently home to around 1700 dolphins, and with proper conservation measures, the state aims to stop their killings and boost local eco-tourism, benefiting local fishermen.
Dr. Kumar emphasized that the Centre will be a major hub for scientific research on riverine wildlife. To protect dolphins, the Bihar government plans to initiate patrolling from Buxar to Manihari Ghat, involving fishermen in rescue efforts and spreading awareness through public campaigns and street plays.
