The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) is a pioneering facility in India, specifically dedicated to the study and conservation of freshwater dolphins, particularly those inhabiting the Ganges River. Strategically located on the banks of the Ganges within the Patna University campus, it signifies a significant step towards protecting these aquatic mammals.
The NDRC was inaugurated on a Monday in March 2024 by the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar. This event marked a crucial moment in India’s efforts to conserve its unique biodiversity.
The establishment of the NDRC involved a substantial investment, with the construction costing approximately Rs 30 crore. This funding reflects the importance placed on dolphin conservation and research.
The primary aim of the NDRC is to facilitate scientists, academics, and research students in understanding the behavior and ecology of freshwater dolphins. It is envisioned to evolve into a center of excellence, fostering advanced research initiatives.
Dolphins are vital to the health of river ecosystems. Their presence often signifies a river's ecological status, as they require clean and healthy water to thrive. Consequently, preserving dolphin populations is essential for maintaining river health.
The NDRC concentrates its research efforts on the Ganges dolphin, a species found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems across Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. Understanding this species is crucial for its conservation.
Hunting Ganges dolphins is explicitly prohibited under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. This legal framework aims to safeguard these dolphins from extinction.
In a count conducted by the Bihar government in 2018, it was reported that there were 1,048 dolphins in the Ganges. This figure highlights the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.
The construction of the NDRC encountered several hurdles, including delays due to a lack of approval from Bihar’s building construction department and complications in obtaining a no-objection certificate (NOC) because of the site’s proximity to the Ganga River.
The NDRC offers a specialized space for studying and conserving dolphins, equipped with dedicated laboratories for various research fields related to these aquatic mammals. It enhances our understanding of not just the behavior of freshwater dolphins but also the broader ecosystem and aquatic ecology.
Q1. What is the main goal of the NDRC?
Answer: The main goal of the NDRC is to conduct research on freshwater dolphins and enhance conservation efforts for these species, particularly the Ganges dolphin.
Q2. Who inaugurated the NDRC?
Answer: The NDRC was inaugurated by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in March 2024, marking a significant step in dolphin conservation in India.
Q3. Why are dolphins crucial for river ecosystems?
Answer: Dolphins play a vital role in maintaining river ecosystem health as their presence indicates clean water, which is essential for their survival and indicates the ecological status of the river.
Q4. Is hunting Ganges dolphins legal?
Answer: No, hunting Ganges dolphins is illegal as per the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, designed to protect this endangered species.
Q5. How many dolphins were reported in the Ganges in 2018?
Answer: According to a count by the Bihar government, there were 1,048 dolphins in the Ganges in 2018, emphasizing the need for ongoing conservation efforts.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of the NDRC?
A) Marine dolphins
B) Freshwater dolphins
C) River pollution
D) Aquatic plants
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who inaugurated the National Dolphin Research Centre?
A) The Prime Minister of India
B) The Chief Minister of Bihar
C) The President of India
D) The Minister of Environment
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is the construction cost of the NDRC?
A) Rs 10 crore
B) Rs 20 crore
C) Rs 30 crore
D) Rs 40 crore
Correct Answer: C
Question 4: What species does the NDRC focus on?
A) Amazon dolphin
B) Ganges dolphin
C) Bottlenose dolphin
D) Orca
Correct Answer: B
Question 5: Is hunting Ganges dolphins permitted under Indian law?
A) Yes, freely
B) Yes, with a license
C) No, it is prohibited
D) Only in specific areas
Correct Answer: C
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