Dolphin Safari

Dolphin Safari: Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced the establishment of a dolphin safari in Varanasi to promote conservation and eco-tourism.

• About Dolphin Safari: The safari will be set up between Kaithi and Dhakhwa villages in Varanasi district. This area has the highest number of dolphins in the region.

o The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed 'Dolphin Mitras' for the conservation of dolphins in the Ganga River in Varanasi district.

• Objectives: Increase the population of Gangetic dolphins and protect their natural habitat, promote eco-tourism along the Ganga River, and educate people on dolphin conservation with the help of 'Dolphin Mitras' and the Forest Department.
• Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica): Also known as the "Tiger of the Ganges", it was officially discovered in 1801.
• Found in major river systems: Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

o Recorded in various tributaries of the Ganga river basin, including Ghaghra, Kosi, Gandak, Chambal, Rupnarayan, and Yamuna.

• Importance: Acts as a reliable indicator of river ecosystem health, declared India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009, and recognized as the State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
• Protection Status: IUCN Red List (Endangered) → Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 (Schedule I) → CITES (Appendix I) → Convention on Migratory Species (CMS) (Appendix I)
• Related Government Initiatives: Project Dolphin, Vikramshila Ganga Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar, and National Ganga River Dolphin Day (October 5)