Project Dolphin 2.0: India begins second nationwide dolphin census to protect river giants

Project Dolphin 2.0 began in India. (Image: X/@moefcc)

• India begins second nationwide dolphin census under Project Dolphin initiative.
• Survey covers major rivers to track dolphin numbers, habitat and threats.
• Collaboration involves forest departments, research institutes and NGOs.

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India has begun its second nationwide dolphin population survey today. The census has started from Bijnor on 17th January 2026 along key river stretches carefully. The researchers aim to update counts, track habitat quality and threats. This is part of the government’s ongoing Project Dolphin initiative. Efforts combine science, conservation and policy for river protection.

Collaboration involves state forest departments, research institutes, and NGOs. The program continues momentum from the first census completed recently. Scientists hope to map dolphin populations across India’s major rivers.

Project Dolphin: India’s Mission to Save River Giants

Project Dolphin is India’s nationwide effort to save dolphins. It was launched in 2020 under the Environment Ministry. Focus is on riverine and estuarine dolphins, India’s aquatic giants. The initiative combines monitoring, habitat restoration, and species protection. It aims to prevent dolphin population decline across river systems.

𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐰𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐨𝐥𝐩𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐁𝐢𝐣𝐧𝐨𝐫

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Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change rolled out the second range-wide estimation of… pic.twitter.com/QihnWZ0jtW — All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 17, 2026

Collaborative Force behind Project Dolphin

The Wildlife Institute of India leads the survey nationwide. State forest departments provide local support along major river stretches. NGOs such as WWF India, WTI and Aaranyak contribute expertise. Teams of researchers are trained to count and monitor dolphins carefully. Collaboration ensures both scientific accuracy and local conservation knowledge integration.

Innovative Techniques Track Dolphins 

Surveyors monitor rivers using boats and observation points daily. They record sightings, behavior and approximate numbers of dolphins. Water quality, habitat health and threats like fishing nets are noted. Data is fed into national databases to track population trends. Modern techniques combine traditional observation and digital mapping tools.

From Bijnor to Sundarbans: Mapping India’s Dolphins

Census will be covering rivers in Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Assam. It includes Indus, Brahmaputra and major tributaries of Sundarbans. Odisha’s river systems are also part of the nationwide survey. Habitat mapping ensures endangered areas are prioritized for protection. Survey identifies safe corridors and stretches critical for dolphin survival.

The second cycle of Rangewide Estimation of Ganges & Estuarine Dolphins was initiated in Patna on 20th Jan 2026, by @moefcc, led by @wii_india in collaboration with @DEFCCOfficial and @wti_org_india#projectdolphin@V_kolipakam@lalanikawlni@GobindsagarBha1@rameshpandeyifs… pic.twitter.com/PAf8Z9uVkB — Wildlife Institute of India (@wii_india) January 22, 2026

Unprecedented Insights Into India’s River Dolphins

Tracking dolphins at a national scale is unprecedented in India. It creates the largest database of river and estuarine dolphins. Scientists can now analyze populations, trends, and habitat quality comprehensively. This approach merges ecology, technology, and community conservation efforts effectively. Results may influence global strategies for freshwater mammal conservation significantly.