Dolphin Safari in Varanasi

• 28 Mar 2025

Why in News? 

Uttar Pradesh government announced to set up a dolphin safari in Varanasi. 

Key Points 

• About Safari: 
  • This safari will be established between Kaithi and Dhakhwa village of Varanasi district.  
  • The highest number of dolphins is seen in this area. 
  • The Uttar Pradesh government has appointed 'Dolphin Mitras' for  dolphin conservation in the Ganga River in Varanasi district . 
• Objective: 
  • The objective of this safari is to promote the increase in the number of Gangetic dolphins in the Ganga river and to ensure the protection of their natural habitat. Apart from this, eco-tourism is also encouraged. 
  • To educate people about the importance of dolphin conservation with the help of 'Dolphin Mitra' and the Forest Department. 

 Ganges River Dolphin 

• Introduction: 
  • The Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica), also known as the " Tiger of the Ganges ", was officially discovered in the year 1801 . 
  • The Ganges river dolphin is found mainly in the major river systems ( Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu ) of India, Nepal and Bangladesh. 
  • According to recent studies, various species have been recorded in the Ganga river basin from the main stream of Ganga river and subsequently from its tributaries - Ghaghra, Kosi, Gandak, Chambal, Rupnarayan and Yamuna . 
• Features: 
  • Ganges river dolphins can only live in freshwater sources and are essentially blind. They scare fish and other prey by emitting ultrasonic sounds , which helps them "see" an image in their mind and thus hunt.  
  • They are often found alone or in small groups, and usually a female dolphin and a baby dolphin travel together. 
  • Females are larger in size than males and give birth only once every two to three years. 
  • Being a mammal, the Ganges river dolphin cannot breathe underwater and must surface every 30–120 seconds. 
  • This creature is popularly called 'Sons' or Susuk because of the sound it makes while breathing . 
• Importance: 
  • These are of immense importance as they are a reliable indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem. 
  • The Government of India declared it as the National Aquatic Animal in the year 2009. 
  • It is also the state aquatic animal of Assam . 
• Protection status: 
  • International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Endangered 
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I 
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES): Appendix I 
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix 1 
• Related Government Initiatives: 
  • Project Dolphin 
  • Vikramshila Ganga Dolphin Sanctuary has been established in Bihar. 
  • National Ganges River Dolphin Day (October 5)