The Ganges River Dolphin was declared the National Aquatic Animal of India in which year?

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AIIMS NORCET 8 Prelims Memory Based Paper 2025

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Answer 1

Correct Answer: 2010

Rationale:

The Ganges River Dolphin was officially declared the National Aquatic Animal of India in the year 2010. This decision was made to highlight the importance of the species in the ecosystem and to raise awareness about its endangered status, necessitating conservation efforts.
The Ganges River Dolphin, scientifically known as Platanista gangetica, is an aquatic mammal primarily found in the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
The declaration in 2010 aimed to address the critical threats to the species, including habitat destruction, pollution, and accidental entanglement in fishing nets. It also aligned with the National Ganga River Basin Authority's (NGRBA) agenda to conserve the river ecosystem.
The Ganges River Dolphin is often referred to as the "Susu" due to the sound it makes while breathing. It is a blind species that relies on echolocation to navigate and hunt.

Explanation of Other Options:

2002

Rationale: In 2002, no specific declaration was made regarding the Ganges River Dolphin's status as the National Aquatic Animal of India. Although conservation awareness for freshwater dolphins was growing globally, this milestone came much later.

2000

Rationale: The year 2000 did not see any significant developments related to the Ganges River Dolphin in India. During this time, broader environmental policies were being discussed, but the dolphin's recognition came a decade later.

2005

Rationale: While 2005 was a significant year for several conservation initiatives globally, the Ganges River Dolphin was not declared as the National Aquatic Animal of India in this year. Conservation efforts for the species were still in their developmental stages.

Additional Information:

The Ganges River Dolphin is categorized as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Its population has been declining due to factors such as habitat fragmentation by dams and barrages, pollution, and poaching.
As the National Aquatic Animal, the Ganges River Dolphin symbolizes the ecological health of India's freshwater river systems. Its conservation is directly linked to the health of rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra.
The declaration in 2010 also coincided with efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga River, emphasizing the interconnectedness of river conservation and species preservation.

Conclusion:

The Ganges River Dolphin was declared the National Aquatic Animal of India in 2010 to promote awareness and conservation efforts for this endangered species. This recognition underscores the significance of protecting freshwater ecosystems, which are vital for both biodiversity and human livelihoods.