India’s First Dolphin Research Centre in Patna

1. What is the National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC)?

The NDRC is India’s first-ever research facility dedicated to the study and conservation of freshwater dolphins, especially those in the Ganges River. It is located on the banks of the Ganges inside the Patna University campus.
 

2. When was the NDRC inaugurated?

The NDRC was inaugurated on a Monday in March 2024 by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
 

3. How much did the NDRC cost to build?

The construction of the NDRC cost Rs 30 crore.
 

4. What is the purpose of the NDRC?

The NDRC aims to help scientists, academicians, and research students understand and research the behavior of freshwater dolphins. It is envisioned to be established as a center of excellence in the future.
 

5. Why are dolphins important for river ecosystems?

Dolphins play a crucial role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems. Their presence indicates a river’s good ecological status, as they require clean water to survive.
 

6. What species of dolphin does the NDRC focus on?

The NDRC focuses on the research of the Ganges dolphin, which is found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh.
 

7. Is hunting Ganges dolphins allowed?

No, hunting Ganges dolphins is prohibited under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
 

8. How many dolphins were counted in the Ganges by the Bihar government in 2018?

According to a count conducted by the Bihar government, there were 1,048 dolphins in the Ganges in 2018.
 

9. What challenges did the construction of the NDRC face?

The project faced delays in construction due to a lack of approval from Bihar’s building construction department and delays in obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) due to the project site’s proximity to the Ganga River.
 

10. How does the NDRC benefit students and researchers?

The NDRC provides a dedicated space for the study and conservation of dolphins, with separate labs for different fields of study related to dolphins. It helps in understanding not only the behavior of freshwater dolphins but also the ecosystem of the river and aquatic ecology.

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