(a) whether River Dolphins a unique species found mainly in rivers of Asia, particularly Gangetic Dolphin, are vanishing rapidly and the national aquatic animal of India has been declared endangered by International Union for the Conservation of Nature;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether experts from India-Bangladesh-Nepal and Myanmar have come together for enhancing conservation of river dolphins in the region; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)
(a)and (b)The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) has been designated as the National Aquatic Animal of India. The Gangetic River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica gangetica) has been categorized as Endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. However, there are no reports indicating drastic reduction of Gangetic River Dolphin in the country.
Prime Minister on 15th August 2020 has announced Project Dolphin for better conservation of both riverine as well as marine Dolphins.
(c) and (d) The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has not convened any meeting recently between India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar on conservation of river dolphins.
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