Patna: India’s only dedicated Dolphin Research Centre, located on the Patna University campus along the banks of the Ganga river, is set to begin its first research programmes in July. Aimed at conserving and managing the endangered Gangetic dolphin, the centre will host eight research projects annually and attract scholars from across India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and beyond.
The state government plans to spend around Rs 8 crore each year to run the centre, which is expected to become a hub for ecological and biodiversity research. A proposal has already been submitted to the Department of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, with cabinet approval likely by July. Recruitment is planned for 47 positions, including dolphin scientists, aquatic life professors, clerks, and support staff.
The Gangetic dolphin, found in rivers like the Ganga, Chambal, Gandak, Son, Kosi, and Brahmaputra, is India’s national aquatic animal and a key indicator of freshwater river health. The 2021 dolphin survey in Bihar recorded 1,448 individuals in the Ganga, with an additional 195 in tributaries like the Kosi and Ghaghra.
Dr Gopal Sharma, a leading dolphin expert, noted that the centre will play a crucial role in conserving river ecosystems. “We will conduct research on river ecology, hydrology, biodiversity, and also explore alternative livelihoods for fishing communities,” he said. Plans are also underway to establish a rescue and treatment facility for injured dolphins.
The research centre, situated on university land, will provide opportunities for students from across the country to engage in vital ecological research, helping strengthen scientific understanding and policy support for freshwater species and habitats.
