Munger, Dec. 14: The environment and forests department is developing a Gangetic dolphin sighting centre on the banks of the Ganga near Sojhi Ghat in Munger in an attempt to promote eco-tourism.

The Gangetic dolphin is India's national aquatic animal, and is protected by the Wildlife Protection Act of India as it is an "endangered species" according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

The designated area for the Gangetic dolphin sighting centre is located a hundred yards away from the Munger fort's southern gate and the Hazrat Pir Shah Nafah dargah.

The centre will cost an estimated Rs 60 lakh, and will be completed in six months.

Neeraj Narayan, the divisional forest officer, told The Telegraph today: "The dolphin sighting centre will include a tourist rest-house, four tourist boats, and gardens. Parking facilities will also be available. It should attract a large number of tourists.

"I hope to develop the Gangetic dolphin sighting centre at Munger headquarters as there are around 700 Gangetic dolphins - of a total of 2,000 in the country according to the 2013 census report - in this 98km stretch of the Ganga past Lakhisarai and Munger districts. The 98km stretch begins at Barahiya Tal Ganga Ghat in Lakhisarai district and ends at Ghor Ghat Ganga Ghat in Munger district," added Neeraj.

The department has also decided to rope in local fishermen, and train them to use binoculars and help tourists to spot the dolphins.

The trained fishermen will be called dolphin trackers, and will take tourists out on boats.

They will be paid a part of the tourists' charges, but the department is yet to work out the details.