Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has approved a proposal to establish the state’s first Dolphin Sanctuary along the Ganga in Sahibganj, marking a significant step in river wildlife conservation.
Cleared by the State Wildlife Board and now awaiting Cabinet approval, the proposal will make Sahibganj India’s second official dolphin sanctuary, following Bihar’s Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bhagalpur.
Sahibganj, the only district in Jharkhand through which the Ganga flows, has recently emerged as one of the richest habitats of the endangered Gangetic river dolphin. A survey conducted in June 2025 by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) recorded an average of 2.88 dolphins per kilometre along the 89-kilometre stretch between Rajmahal and Sahibganj, the highest density documented in any river section in India. The total estimated dolphin population in this zone stands at 256.
Experts attribute this success to improved river health, largely driven by the Namami Gange programme. The Gangetic river dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal, thrives only in clean, oxygen-rich waters and serves as a vital indicator of river ecosystem health. The rising dolphin numbers in Sahibganj suggest both better water quality and a recovering aquatic food chain.
The proposed sanctuary will cover a section of the Ganga near Manjhi Kundi, located about ten kilometres from Sahibganj town. This area naturally links with the dolphin-rich region of the Ganga in Bihar. Once officially notified, the sanctuary is expected to receive an annual allocation of around four crore rupees for conservation and awareness programmes. The Forest Department has planned patrolling, scientific monitoring, and local engagement activities to ensure sustainable protection of the sanctuary.
However, the project must secure a no-objection certificate from the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), as the Sahibganj multi-modal port and navigation routes fall within the same river stretch. To address this, officials are considering a zoning approach that will keep the main shipping channel operational while protecting the side channels and backwaters that serve as vital dolphin habitats.
The Sahibganj stretch supports a diverse aquatic ecosystem, making it ideal for eco-tourism. The WII has recommended setting up dolphin-viewing points and regulated boat tours to attract visitors. The Forest Department aims to train local residents, especially fishermen, as eco-guides and river stewards, linking conservation with new livelihood opportunities.
Despite the promising trends, several challenges remain. Illegal fishing with fine-mesh nets continues in parts of the river, endangering the dolphins and depleting their food sources. Heavy boat traffic and dredging further disturb their breeding areas. Earlier this month, a dead dolphin was found near Shobhapur village, raising concerns about human-related threats. The Forest Department has stepped up vigilance and involved community volunteers for regular monitoring.
Once formally declared, the Sahibganj Dolphin Sanctuary will mark Jharkhand’s entry on India’s aquatic conservation map and reflect the state’s commitment to balancing commerce, tourism, and biodiversity protection along the Ganga.
The Gangetic river dolphin is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.