Dolphin Safari in Varanasi: A Step Towards Conservation and Eco-Tourism
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Dolphin Safari in Varanasi |
| Announced By | Uttar Pradesh Government |
| Location | Between Kaithi and Dhakhwa village, Varanasi district |
| Objective | Promote increase in Gangetic dolphins, protect habitat, encourage eco-tourism |
| Key Initiative | Appointment of 'Dolphin Mitras' for dolphin conservation |
| About Gangetic Dolphin | Ganges river dolphin (Platanista gangetica) discovered in 1801 |
| Habitat | Found in Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems |
| Features | Lives in freshwater, blind, uses ultrasonic sounds to hunt, surfaces every 30-120 seconds |
| Conservation Status | IUCN: Endangered, Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule I, CITES: Appendix I |
| Government Initiatives | Project Dolphin, Vikramshila Ganga Dolphin Sanctuary, National Ganges River Dolphin Day (October 5) |