Gangetic dolphins whirling in the Gandak could have a safe habitat in Champaran. A sanctuary or a conservation reserve for them could be a reality after March.

The long stretch of the Gandak in Bihar, from Valmikinagar up to its confluence with the Ganga near Hajipur in Vaishali, is among three rivers where the state government has resolved to conduct a survey for a possible habitation of dolphins. Besides Gandak, Ghaghra in Chhapra and Daha in Siwan would be assessed.

An order in this regard was issued following a high-level meeting convened by the principal chief conservator of forests on October 27 last year. A team of wildlife experts has been constituted for the purpose. It comprises R.K. Sinha, the head of the department of zoology of Patna University, and Sameer Sinha, a member of the Wildlife Trust of India.

Sameer told The Telegraph: 'Around 250 dolphins were spotted in Gandak during the course of a multi-organisational survey of the Ganga and its tributaries in 2010.'

R.K. Sinha, widely recognised as the Dolphin Man of Bihar, said: 'The survey of the Ganga and its tributaries under the Dolphin Action Plan would be started soon under the National Mission for Clean Ganga. The forests and environment department of the states concerned have been assigned as the nodal agency.'

He also expressed satisfaction over the Centre's approval to the demand of funds for the cause in Bihar.

The divisional forest officers (DFOs) of Motihari, Siwan, Chhapra and Vaishali have been asked to conduct the survey involving three different teams of efficient employees under their respective jurisdiction. 'The survey is expected to begin next month and likely to be completed by the end of March,' said Motihari DFO Mokhtarul Haque.

The government has taken the initiative to conduct the survey for a safe habitat of Gangetic dolphins to prevent any further loss of the specie, Haque said, adding that fishing nets hurt them the most.