(a) whether the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has declared ‘Year 2007’ as International Year of Dolphins; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to protect the endangered dolphins in the country?
(a) whether the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has declared ‘Year 2007’ as International Year of Dolphins; and
(b) if so, the steps taken by the Government to protect the endangered dolphins in the country?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT AND FORESTS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)
(a) Yes, Sir.
(b) The following steps have been taken by the Government to protect the
endangered dolphins in the country:
1) Dolphins have been put in the Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 providing
maximum protection under the law.
2) Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 has been amended from time to time to bring stringent
punishment to the offenders.
3) Important habitats of dolphins have been declared Sanctuaries and National Parks.
4) Financial assistance is provided to State Governments for conservation of wildlife
including dolphins.
5) Financial assistance is also provided to carryout research programmes on different
aspects of dolphins.
6) Bio-monitoring project on fresh water dolphins has been started at national level.