Environment minister: Government is working for protection of river dolphins

He was asked whether conservationist groups have expressed concern regarding the survival of Gangetic river dolphins on account of the National Waterways Project.

New Delhi, March 20: Important strategies have been chalked out for protection of river dolphins, the government on Monday said and acknowledged that concerns have been raised by various groups on survival of Gangetic river dolphins due to the proposed National Waterways Project.

"Yes, sir. The Conservation Action Plan for the Gangetic Dolphin (2010-2020) has also identified threats to Gangetic dolphins and impact of river traffic, irrigation canals and depletion of prey-base on dolphin populations," Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave said in a written reply in Rajya Sabha.

He was asked whether conservationist groups have expressed concern regarding the survival of Gangetic river dolphins on account of the National Waterways Project.

He said that the important strategies and action points for protection of dolphins highlighted in the Dolphin Conservation Action Plan include reduction of incidental mortality through rescue and release efforts and habitat protection and restoration and reduction in environmental pollution.

The plan also includes minimising daily fluctuations in water flow, preservation of floodplains for ensuring adequate prey-base and community involvement in river dolphin conservation and management.

PTI