Question : Conservation of Dolphins

(a) whether the Government has any scheme for conservation of dolphins, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government has launched ''Project Lion'' and ''Project Dolphin'' for conservation of Asiatic Lions and River Dolphins on the lines of ''Project Tiger'', if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Supreme Court has directed the Government for translocation of Wild Cats from Gujarat to other States to protect them from possible extinction;
(d) if so, the action taken by the Government thereon; and
(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI BABUL SUPRIYO)

(a) For the conservation of Dolphins, the Ministry provides funding support as follows:
i. The Gangetic Dolphin has been identified as one of the 21 species for taking up ‘Recovery programme of Critically Endangered Species, under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme - ‘Development of Wildlife Habitat’. Financial assistance is provided to the States/ Union Territories for conservation of wildlife including Dolphins and their habitats as per the Annual Plan of Operations.
ii. A project, ‘Development of Conservation Action Plan for River Dolphins’ has been initiated with financial support from National Authority CAMPA for duration of five years from 2016-2021.

(b) The Government of India has planned to launch ''Project Lion'' and ''Project Dolphin'' for conservation and protection of Asiatic Lions and Dolphins (both river and marine Dolphins) respectively on the lines of ''Project Tiger'' in the Country. Prime Minister in his address has declared ‘Project Dolphin’ and ‘Project Lion’. Ministry is working out detailed plan for this.

(c), (d) and (e) The Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in I.A. No. 100 in Writ Petition (Civil) No.337/1995, Centre for Environment Law, WWF-I vs Union of India &Others hadvide their order dated 15thApril, 2013 directed the Ministry of Environment, Forestand Climate Change to take urgent steps for re-introduction of Asiatic Lion from Girforests to Kuno. Hon’ble Courtvide the said order had also directed the Ministry to constitute an Expert Committeefor this purpose.

In compliance of the directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the Ministry ofEnvironment, Forest and Climate Change has constituted an Expert Committee. The matter is presently sub-judice in the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India.