Bihar forest dept launches probe into threat to dolphins

BHAGALPUR: After the collapse of a major portion of the under-construction Sultanganj-Aguani Ghat bridge across the Ganga on June 4, the forest department has initiated a probe whether the debris will cause any harm to the aquatic animals, including the endangered Gangetic dolphins, as the area is located in the protected Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS). A six-member team from the forest department has started investigation into the possible damage to the aquatic animals, Gangetic dolphin as well as flora and fauna of the natural habitat of VGDS.
"We have initiated investigation into the harm if done to any of the aquatic animals and endangered dolphin due to the huge debris after the bridge collapse," divisional forest officer (DFO) Bharat Chit Palli said on Wednesday.
He added: "We are also looking into the possibility of water pollution and threat to the flora and fauna of the natural habitat of the aquatic animals and dolphins. We will take strict legal action against the bridge construction company if any damage comes to the notice of the forest department."
Sources said the incident also jeopardized the construction of a four-storey Dolphin Observation Centre (DOC) proposed to come up near pillar number 10, the site of bridge collapse. The mishap has also caused a setback to the ecotourism project in the Gangetic plateau by steamer and to watch migratory birds as well as dolphins by boat rides in the vast stretch of the Ganga between Sultanganj and Kahalgaon via Bhagalpur.
The mishap has also worried the administration preparing for the forthcoming Shrawani Mela in view of the debris scattered in the river area.
The 60km stretch of river Ganga from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon under VGDS has been declared a protected area since 1991. The International Union for Conservation of Nature classified the Gangetic dolphin as 'endangered' species in 1996.
The Gangetic Dolphin was declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India at a convention of National Ganga River Basin Authority (NGRBA) in 2009, after which efforts to preserve and protect it gained momentum.