Dolphin declared as a National Aquatic Animal
for Conservation
Rajya Sabha
During the first meeting of the National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) held on 5th October 2009, under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, it was decided to declare River Dolphin as National Aquatic Animal. River dolphin is critically endangered species in India and is an indicator species of the health of the river. Therefore, it has been decided to declare the species as national aquatic animal
The important steps taken to protect River Dolphins are as given below:
(i) River Dolphins have been included in the Schedule-I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, thereby affording them the highest degree of protection.
(ii) The important habitats of river dolphins have been declared as Protected Areas for their conservation.
(iii) Financial & technical assistance is provided to the State Governments under Centrally Sponsored Schemes for conservation and protection of wildlife including dolphins and their habitat.
(iv) Financial assistance is provided for conducting scientific research on the habitat, behavior, population status of river dolphins.
This information was given by the Shri Namo Narain Meena, Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance and currently looking after Ministry of Environment and Forests in a return reply to question by Shri Prakash Javadekar in the Rajya Sabha today.
KP
(Release ID :55824)