A Gangetic dolphin. Plans are afoot to set up a dolphin research institute in Patna. Telegraph picture

There are around 1,000 dolphins in the rivers of Bihar, according to recent a report. Plans are afoot to set up Asia’s first research centre dedicated to the aquatic mammals in Patna.

Bihar already has Asia’s fourth largest dolphin sanctuary — Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary — spread over 55km in the Ganga between Sultanganj and Kahalgaon. Now, according to a suggestion of the Planning Commission and subsequent “in principle” approval by the state government, a proposal has been floated to establish a dolphin research centre on the banks of the Ganga near Patna University.

The proposal for the centre was floated by Dolphin Man R.K. Sinha and Gopal Sharma, a scientist with Zoological Survey of India, Patna. Though no decision has been taken yet, Sharma said work is likely to start within six months.

Sinha told The Telegraph: “Planning Commission deputy chairperson Montek Singh Ahluwalia came to Patna on February 18 to attend the Global Bihar Summit. During the visit, he went to see the dolphins in the Ganga near Gandhi Setu. After learning about their high numbers in Bihar, he suggested that I move a proposal for setting up a dolphin research centre, supported by the Planning Commission. Later, I spoke to chief minister Nitish Kumar about the same in a meeting of the state wildlife board on February 25. He gave his ‘in principle’ approval. Nitish also suggested that the centre be set up on the banks of the Ganga in Patna. Later, a site for the proposed centre was chosen near Patna University.”

Sharma also praised the proposed location of the research centre.

“The two permanent habitats of Gangetic dolphins around Patna are the confluence of Ganga and Gandak near Gandhi Setu and near the pontoon bridge at Danapur. Around 30 dolphins can be seen at these two locations. Patna University is located between these two points. It is an ideal location for setting up such a research centre,” he said.

The proposed centre would carry out research activities related to biological aspects and census of dolphins in all rivers in Bihar among various other plans.

Other experts in this sector have also welcomed the idea of the proposed research centre. “The river dolphin at present is one of the species facing the threat of extinction. There is a need for immediate intervention by both the scientific community and the government. The proposed dolphin research centre can play a very important role in this regard,” said Ashok Ghosh, a member of the state environment impact assessment authority and professor in-charge, department of environment and water management, AN College, Patna.