The population of Dolphin is decreasing in various rivers including Chambal of the country.The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has reported that there has been a decline in the Gangetic Dolphin population. Further, the States of Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have reported that no population estimates of Dolphins have been carried out in their states, while, Madhya Pradesh has reported that as per the census carried out during the last three years, there has been slight decrease in the Dolphin population in the Chambal river of Madhya Pradesh.  The main reasons attributed for decline in population of the species are poaching, habitat degradation, heavy siltation, construction of barrages causing physical barriers to this migratory species, toxic contaminants and entrapment of dolphins in fishing gear.

Under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats', Gangetic Dolphin has been identified as one of the endangered species for undertaking the recovery programmes. With a view to focus on the necessity of conservation of Gangetic River Dolphins, the Ministry of Environment and Forests has notified this species as the National Aquatic Animal.

Though no specific allocation for conservation of Dolphins has been made to the State/Union Territory Governments. So far, the details of funds provided to the range states of Dolphin, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats' during the last three years, including the current year, for conservation of wildlife, is at Annexure.

Details of funds released to the State Governments under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme  'Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats' for conservation of wildlife