Moradabad
Celebrates the National Aquatic Animal, Students Pledge to get Dolphins in Ramganga
District
Administration & Forest Department of Moradabad along with WWF-India
organized school activities to commemorate Dolphin Day in the city
October
5, 2013, New Delhi: The Eco Park (Deer Park) of Moradabad city
saw a unique celebration of the anniversary of Government of India's
declaration of the Gangetic River Dolphin as the 'National Aquatic Animal' in
October 5, 2009 in form of elocution , poetry and quiz competitions on the
specie. WWF-India, with the
support of the District Administration & Forest Department of Moradabad, conducted
film screening of WWF-India’s Dolphin documentary, along with quiz, poetry,
elocution competitions. These activities were organized to generate awareness
on Ramganga conservation amongst the young talent in the city and to provide a
platform for engaging them in Ramganga conservation activities as part of the
Wildlife Week celebrations.
Through these
activities, WWF-India’s Rivers for Life programme aimed to bring attention to
the importance of the presence of the National Aquatic Animal, Dolphin and ways
to conserve other aquatic biodiversity present in the river. The elocution, poetry amd quiz competitions, which saw
students from 6th to 8th grade, from over 15 schools ,
including Kasturba Gandhi in Moradabad sharing their views on the importance of
the biodiversity for the ecological wellbeing of the river, witnessed thought
provoking visions for a healthy Ramganga, including getting Dolphins to
Moradabad’s Ramganga. Often
known as the “Tiger of the Ganges”, the river dolphin is an indicator animal
and has the same position in a river ecosystem as a tiger in a forest, its
presence indicating a sign of a healthy river ecosystem.
The event which was
spearheaded by Dr. Sandeep Behera, Dolphin Expert & Associate Director,
River Basins & Water Policy, WWF-India, saw a detailed presentation on the species, highlighting
shrinking distribution
range of these dolphins, with their population being
adversely affected by various developmental activities like the construction of
dams and barrages resulting in lean river flows, indiscriminate fishing, heavy
siltation of rivers due to deforestation, pollution of the river and habitat
destruction. “While the population of dolphin in 1982 was estimated to be
between 4000-5000 in India, now it is less than 2000 with an annual mortality
estimated to be at 130-160 animals. The mammal is now listed in Schedule I of
the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and categorized as “Endangered” by
the World Conservation Union (IUCN) and enjoys high levels of legal protection,
nationally and internationally”, added Dr, Sandeep Behera, Associate Director,
River Basins & Water Policy, WWF-India.
WWF-India adopted the Ganges river dolphin as a species of
special concern and initiated a Ganges River Dolphin Conservation programme in
1997. In 2012, the organization also conducted the first ever Scientific Status
Survey of the species in the country in collaboration with network partners. In
the process, more than 20 rivers were surveyed, covering a distance of
approximately 6000 km and several river stretches in the country were
identified as ideal habitats for Ganges River Dolphin population and hence for
prioritized conservation action. The three day long campaign
which included surveying of over 20 rivers, concluded on October 7, 2012, found
the presence of 671 dolphins in the upper Ganga system.
Mr. Suresh Babu,
Director, River Basins & Water Policy, WWF-India added, “Being aware about
the importance of the presence of biodiversity is the first and the most
important step towards conserving Ramganga. At WWF-India we believe that these
fun activities are powerful means of engaging
young adults in tackling development challenges, and hold the potential
to transform the pace and nature of development. Ramganga for Life, Life for
Ramganga campaign also aims to engage with students as they are the future
change makers for our society.”
The Dolphin Day
celebration was part of the Wildlife Week celebrations, which concludes on
October 7, 2013 in the city of Moradabad.
The
winners of all the competitions conducted throughout the Wildlife Week, as a
token of appreciation, will get prizes by the District Magistrate of Moradabad,
Shri Sanjay Kumar ( IAS) on October 7 at Eco Park ( Deer Park). Additionally,
all the participants would receive certificates from District Administration of
Moradabad and WWF-India. The Wildlife Week celebrations yet again reiterate the
importance of multi-stakeholders,
comprising experts, technicians, senior government officials, young students
and community members to come together to deliberate on strategies to protect
the species.
Facts about
Gangetic Dolphins
·
Known as Platanista gangetica
gangetica and commonly
called as ‘Susu’ or ‘Soons’
·
One of the four freshwater dolphins
of the world, out of which only three are left now
·
In 2005, its population was estimated
around 600 in Ganges and its tributaries, in the state of UP, MP and
Rajasthan
·
In India, found in seven states,
namely, Assam, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand
and West Bengal
·
Blind and catch its prey by emitting
an ultrasonic sound which reaches the prey
·
Travels at a speed of 4.7 km/hour
.
|
About WWF-India:
WWF-India is one of
India’s leading conservation organizations with programmes and projects spread
across the country. The organisation works towards the conservation of
biodiversity, natural habitats and the reduction of humanity’s ecological
footprint. The mission of WWF-India is to stop the degradation of the earth's
natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with
nature.
For further information,
please contact:
WWF-India
Ms. Garima Dimri
River Basins and Water
Policy
Email: gdimri@wwfindia.net
Mob - 09654706884
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