Sanjay Singh, Patna. The dolphin sanctuary is spread over an area of seven kilometers between Sultanganj and Kahalgaon in Bhagalpur, Bihar. It was established in 1991 AD. Tourists from all over the country and abroad keep coming here to see this sanctuary. The state’s first Shiv Corridor is also to be established in Sultanganj. From the environmental point of view, the presence of dolphins in the Ganges is considered important.
Cruise service between Calcutta and Banaras was operated for foreign tourists. This cruise passes through the dolphin sanctuary area only. Due to ignorance, the villagers living on the banks of Ganga also hunt it. Dolphins are found in the rivers of 8 states of the country. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has started the work of its calculation and conservation in collaboration with the villagers.
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Importance of dolphin sanctuary
This sanctuary is spread over 60 kilometers of Ganga. It was declared a protected area in 1991 to save endangered aquatic life. The number of fishermen is also high in this area. As a result, while hunting fish, fishermen also hunted dolphins. Due to this, its existence was in danger. There was a rumor among the villagers that knee pain could be cured by applying dolphin oil.
Due to this rumor many dolphins were killed earlier. Later the Forest Department banned fishing in the sanctuary area. Guards were deployed at various places for the safety of dolphins. Apart from this, patrolling also started by motor boat. Now gradually the number of dolphins has started increasing.
There are dolphins in four rivers
Dolphins reside in the four rivers of Bihar namely Ganga, Gandak, Mahananda and Kosi. The first survey of dolphins was conducted in 2023-24. More than 2220 Gandey dolphins were found in the first survey. Its report was released in 2025. In the released report, its number in Bhagalpur was said to be more than 200. The team of Wildlife Institute of India has started its calculations again.
Team members estimate that this time the number could be more than 400. It is also a water route between Kolkata and Banaras. As a result, cargo ships as well as passenger ships keep passing through this area. The greatest threat to dolphins comes from mechanically propelled boats.
Increase in tourism due to sanctuary
Tourists come from far and wide to see the frolic of dolphins in the Ganges. Foreign tourists keep coming here. The government has also talked about building Ganga corridor from Munger to Sabour. Vikramshila has historical importance anyway.
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The Forest Department has also arranged for a special motorboat to show dolphins to the tourists. People say that the way has been cleared for the construction of Bihar’s first Shiv Corridor in Sultanganj. This will increase the attraction of Shravani Fair and will also create new employment opportunities by promoting tourism.
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