A Leap for Dolphin Conservation: India Launches 2nd Cycle of Dolphin Estimation 2025

India has made a major leap in dolphin conservation — marking a new era in aquatic biodiversity protection. During National Wildlife Week 2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the 2nd Cycle of the Range-wide Estimation of Riverine and Estuarine Dolphins in India at ICFRE–FRI, Dehradun, a vital step toward strengthening data-driven conservation under Project Dolphin Phase II. 

This initiative aims to deepen our understanding of dolphin populations, their habitats, and the challenges they face across India’s river systems — ensuring these gentle aquatic icons continue to thrive in the wild.

🔍 What’s New: 2nd Cycle Estimation & Recent Developments

• The 2nd Cycle of Dolphin Estimation, announced in October 2025, expands upon India’s first national dolphin census conducted between 2021–2023.

• The earlier cycle identified 6,327 riverine dolphins across 28 rivers in 8 states, covering over 8,500 km of river stretch and requiring 3,150 man-days of effort. Uttar Pradesh recorded the highest numbers.

• This new phase, under Project Dolphin Phase II, focuses on both riverine and estuarine dolphins, enhancing monitoring precision and habitat protection strategies.

• The event at Dehradun also reaffirmed India’s dedication to using science, policy, and community collaboration to safeguard its aquatic biodiversity. 

Image source: Wildlife Institute of India (WII)

Why It Matters

Dolphins are vital indicators of river health — their presence reflects clean, free-flowing waters and balanced aquatic ecosystems. India’s renewed push for dolphin estimation helps track population changes, identify threats early, and protect critical habitats such as confluences and deep river stretches.

The 2nd Cycle launch during Wildlife Week 2025 is a reminder that conservation success depends on consistent monitoring, technological innovation, and local participation.

Challenges in Dolphin Conservation

• Pollution & Industrial Waste: River contamination continues to degrade dolphin habitats.

• Dams & Water Projects: Fragmentation of river systems affects migration and breeding.

• Bycatch & Boat Traffic: Accidental entanglement in fishing nets and noise pollution threaten populations.

• Implementation Gaps: Infrastructure like the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna still needs full operational capacity and funding. 

Progress & Promising Actions

• The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) is being developed as a key hub for dolphin research, rescue, and rehabilitation.

• Satellite tagging of Ganges River Dolphins in Assam has provided new insights into migration and behaviour.

• State Forest Departments and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) are expanding field research, awareness campaigns, and community-based conservation.

• Public engagement is growing, with schools and NGOs conducting river clean-up drives and dolphin-watch awareness events. 

Project Dolphin: A Vision Renewed

Launched in August 2020, Project Dolphin focuses on protecting both riverine (Ganges, Brahmaputra) and marine (Indian Ocean humpback) dolphins. Its Phase II rollout emphasizes habitat conservation, rescue & rehabilitation, technology-based monitoring, and public awareness.

The launch of the 2nd Cycle of Range-wide Estimation in 2025 reinforces India’s leadership in science-backed aquatic conservation and commitment to long-term sustainability. 

FAQs

Q1. What is the 2nd Cycle of Dolphin Estimation?
It’s a comprehensive survey across India’s river and estuarine systems to monitor dolphin populations, building upon the first-ever national census conducted in 2021–2023.

Q2. Why is it significant?
It helps track trends in population size, identify conservation hotspots, and evaluate the success of ongoing measures under Project Dolphin Phase II.

Q3. Where was it launched?
At the ICFRE–FRI, Dehradun, during National Wildlife Week 2025.

Q4. How many dolphins were found in the last estimation?
A total of 6,327 dolphins were recorded across 28 rivers in 8 states.

Q5. What is Project Dolphin Phase II?
It’s the next phase of India’s dolphin conservation plan — focused on research, rescue, policy support, and collaboration across ministries and states.

Conclusion

The launch of the 2nd Cycle of Dolphin Estimation during Wildlife Week 2025 marks a defining moment in India’s conservation journey. By blending scientific monitoring, technology, and community action, the country is moving closer to securing a future for its riverine and marine dolphins.

This leap reflects not only India’s commitment to wildlife but also its belief that healthy rivers mean a healthy planet. With continued effort, collaboration, and awareness, the silent waters of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and coastal estuaries will continue to echo with the graceful leaps of dolphins — symbols of balance, beauty, and hope.