India celebrates the inauguration of its first National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna, Bihar, on March 4, 2024. The centre aims to spearhead research efforts in conserving the endangered Gangetic River dolphin, a species native to India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. 

1. The river dolphin, often known as the Ganges tiger, is an indicator of the health of the entire river ecosystem and its position in the river ecosystem is similar to that of the tiger in the wild.

 Key Facts about Gangetic Dolphin 

Discovery	Platanista gangetica, also known as the “Tiger of the Ganges,” was officially discovered in 1801.
Habitat	Historically distributed in major river systems of India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, including the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu.
Features	Essentially blind, hunts by emitting ultrasonic sounds. Females larger, give birth once every 2-3 years.
Importance	Indicator of river ecosystem health. Designated National Aquatic Animal (2009) and State Aquatic Animal of Assam.
Major Threats	Poaching for dolphin oil. Habitat destruction due to development and pollution.
Protection Status	IUCN: Endangered CITES: Appendix I CMS: Appendix I Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972: Schedule I
Government Initiatives	Project Dolphin (2020) Vikramshila Ganges Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar National Ganga River Dolphin Day (5th October)

 Key Highlights: 

1. Objective: The NDRC seeks to facilitate comprehensive research on various aspects of Gangetic dolphins, including behaviour, survival skills, food habits, and causes of death, with the goal of establishing itself as a centre of excellence in dolphin conservation.
2. Operational Status: Bihar's Chief Wildlife Warden, confirms that the NDRC is now operational and will provide valuable assistance to scientists and researchers studying Gangetic dolphins.
3. Location and Facilities: Spread over a 4,400 square meter plot near the river Ganga on the campus of Patna University, the NDRC provides a strategic location for researchers to closely observe dolphins in their natural habitat. It will also provide training on dolphin conservation to fishermen during fishing activities.
4. Project Timeline: The initiative, proposed a decade ago by dolphin expert RK Sinha, faced several delays but finally gained momentum in 2020 with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar laying the foundation stone.
5. Significance: A senior scientist at the Zoological Survey of India, praises the establishment of NDRC, emphasizing its potential to strengthen ongoing dolphin conservation efforts.
6. Conservation Status: The Gangetic River dolphin, declared India’s national aquatic animal, faces threats due to habitat loss and degradation.

India's commitment to conserving its rich biodiversity is exemplified through initiatives such as the NDRC, which underlines the importance of conservation and protection of endangered species such as the Ganges River dolphin.

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