Ganga Dolphin, locally known as ‘Sauns’ has been declared as ‘National Aquatic Animal’. Decision to this effect has been taken by Forest and Environment Minister Jairam Ramesh on the eve of maiden meeting of Ganga River Basin Authority (GRBA) chaired by PM in New Delhi yesterday on the suggestion of Nitish Kumar, CM of Bihar.
Ganga Dolphin an endemic and endangered species are found in the holy river Ganga mostly between Patna to Bhagalpur. Environmentalists have been agitating for long time to protect this aquatic animal, the number of which is said to be around 2000 only in the world. About 2 to 2.5 meter long saus, the dolphin came into prominence in 1991 when the state government declared it ‘endangered species’ and declared 60 kilometre Ganga strip near Bhagalpur as ‘Ganges dolphin sanctuary’. This is the single zone in which about 160-200 Ganga dolphins have been counted. The fishing of this endangered species has been banned years ago but still then fisher men do not hesitate killing this animal largely due to ignorance. The feature of this endemic animal is such that it looks like ferocious one but on the contrary these saus are very harmless and human friendly. Surprisingly no such attention has so far been given internationally to this animal. Environmentalists are particularly very excited and happy on this decision and say that this declaration would now help in big way to protect and preserve this species.
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