Bijnor sets the stage for India’s second pan-India dolphin enumeration drive, a critical step in safeguarding the elusive Ganges River dolphin. Launched amid growing concerns over habitat degradation, this census promises comprehensive insights into the species’ status.

Spanning multiple states, the exercise mobilizes over 200 teams equipped with boats, GPS devices, and bioacoustic tools. From the upper Ganga in Uttarakhand to the Sunderbans in West Bengal, surveyors will document direct sightings, group sizes, and calf presence during peak activity hours at dawn and dusk.

The Ganges dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal, faces existential threats from sand mining, water abstraction, and entanglement in fishing gear. Preliminary data from the inaugural 2023 count showed around 2,500-3,000 individuals, but experts warn of undercounting in remote areas.

This year’s enhancements include citizen science apps for public participation and AI-driven image analysis from camera traps. ‘We’re not just counting; we’re building a conservation roadmap,’ remarked Dr. Rima Sinha, lead researcher.

In Bijnor, early surveys have already spotted playful pods, boosting morale. Community workshops underscore dolphins’ role in maintaining fish stocks and water quality. Authorities plan ‘Dolphin Sanctuaries’ based on hotspot mappings.

With monsoons approaching, the window for accurate counts is narrow. Success hinges on inter-agency coordination and public cooperation. As India eyes its 2047 development goals, protecting river icons like the dolphin symbolizes sustainable progress. Stay tuned for live census dashboards and impact stories.