VIKRAMSHILA GANGETIC DOLPHIN SANCTUARY (VGDS)

July 15, 2019

The Ministry of Shipping informed parliament that it is planning to safeguard the population of the Ganges River Dolphin in the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) by restricting the speeds of vessels and blowing sirens and horns.

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The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS), from Sultanganj to Kahalganj on the Ganga in Bihar is the only dolphin sanctuary in the country. Experts have pegged the population of the Ganges dolphin in VGDS from 150 to 200.
National Waterway-1 connecting Haldia to Varanasi passes through the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS).
Measures being taken by the Ministry of Shipping to safeguard the population of the Ganges River Dolphin in the VGDS:
- Vessel speed would be restricted to 2.7 knots in VGDS area to reduce the noise generation from propeller.
- lf any aquatic mammal/dolphin is spotted, then the measures will be taken to push it away through sirens/signals.
- Vessels to be fitted with propeller guards and dolphin deflectors to minimise dolphin accidents.
- Using non-toxic paints for painting vessels.
The mitigation measures are based on Comprehensive Environmental and Social lmpact Assessment (ESIA) study on National Waterway-I including on stretches falling within VGDS.