Pilibhit, Uttar Pradesh – In a landmark declaration, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has officially designated the Gangetic Dolphin as the state’s aquatic symbol. This significant move underscores the state’s commitment to wildlife conservation and the preservation of its natural heritage.
The Gangetic Dolphin, an emblematic species inhabiting the Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ghaghra, Rapti, and Gerua rivers, holds a pivotal ecological role in these aquatic ecosystems. With an estimated population of around 2000 in Uttar Pradesh, the welfare of these graceful creatures is of paramount importance.
In his address, CM Yogi underscored the critical importance of maintaining the purity of ponds and rivers, emphasizing the perils of plastic pollution on water bodies and the environment. He urged both residents and tourists to shun the use of plastic to protect these vital aquatic habitats.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister articulated the need to educate local communities on responsible wildlife interaction. His visionary proposal seeks to train individuals from villages connected to the Tiger Reserve as guides, thus creating employment opportunities and fostering environmental awareness.
The ongoing dolphin census in Garh Ganga, Hapur district, is being conducted in collaboration with teams from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the Forest Department. Utilizing GPS technology, these teams are meticulously counting dolphins from Muzaffarpur Barrage to Narora Barrage, encompassing the entire stretch of the Ganga.
DFO Sanjay Kumar Mall shed light on the innovative counting method, stating, “This campaign, known as the ‘Meri Ganga Meri Dolphin 2023’ campaign, employs a synchronized approach. Two teams, each traveling at a speed of 10 kilometers per hour with a 10-minute gap between them, diligently record the GPS locations of dolphins. This method ensures accurate counts and distinguishes individual dolphins.”
Providing historical context, DFO Sanjay Kumar shared data from previous years, revealing a gradual increase in dolphin numbers, from 22 in 2015 to an encouraging 41 in 2020.
CM Yogi Adityanath’s proclamation not only solidifies the significance of the Gangetic Dolphin in Uttar Pradesh but also reaffirms the state’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable wildlife conservation.
By ANI
