Bihar’s Gangetic Dolphin Population: Bihar has seen a clear rise in its Gangetic dolphin population over the last 27 years. In the Bhagalpur area, the number has gone from around 95 dolphins to about 200 or more in recent estimates. A report published on October 5, 2026 said the population has reached around 215 in the region.
The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary remains one of the key places for the species. It was notified in 1991 and covers the Ganga stretch between Sultanganj and Kahalgaon. Wildlife Institute of India describes it as India’s only dolphin sanctuary. The dolphins are important because changes in their numbers can give an idea about the condition of the river.
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Fishing Nets are Still a Big Problem
The rise in numbers doesn’t mean the dolphins are fully safe. Fishing nets can trap the animals and lead to their deaths. WII also lists accidental killing in gill nets as a threat to wildlife in the sanctuary. Pollution and other human activity are also putting pressure on the river habitat.
There have also been concerns about the use of dolphin oil as fishing bait. Some communities have traditionally believed that the oil can help with arthritis. There is no established medical proof for this claim.
A 2022 incident showed how dangerous fishing activity can be. A female dolphin was found dead near Ismailpur in Navgachia with a plastic rope tied around its mouth and attached to a bamboo stake.
Dams, Silt And Boat Traffic Affect Their Habitat
Dolphins need healthy river conditions to survive. Dams, barrages, lower water flow and heavy silt can change the places where they find food and move through the river. Pollution from farm chemicals and domestic and industrial waste is another concern.
The animals use echolocation to move through the muddy water and find prey. For this reason, rising boat and ship traffic can also create problems through noise and disturbance.
A fresh survey is also part of Bihar’s wider conservation work. Training for the next national dolphin assessment was held in Patna in January 2026 with the Wildlife Institute of India and Bihar Forest Department. The exercise aims to improve scientific counting and monitoring.
Bihar Has One of India’s Largest Dolphin Populations
India’s first nationwide river dolphin survey estimated 6,327 dolphins across 28 rivers in eight states. Bihar had 2,220 dolphins which was the second-highest state count after Uttar Pradesh’s 2,397.
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National Dolphin Day is observed every year on October 5. The government chose the date in 2022 to increase awareness and public participation in dolphin conservation.
In Bhagalpur the dolphins are often spotted near places such as Manik Sarkar Ghat, Sultanganj and Teen Pahadi near Kahalgaon. Officials and researchers have also suggested better viewing facilities and awareness centres so tourism can grow without harming the animals.
