Category: Environment & Biodiversity | For: OPSC Odisha Civil Services Examination
By: Brajabandhu Mahanta | Objective IAS
🐬 Odisha’s Aquatic Treasure Trove
Odisha’s global acclaim in aquatic biodiversity has long been anchored in the brackish waters of Chilika Lake, the world’s largest lagoon and a sanctuary for the Irrawaddy dolphin—a species found in only a handful of locations worldwide. As of the 2024 dolphin census, 159 Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit Chilika, marking it as the largest single-lagoon population of this endangered species globally.
However, the narrative of Odisha’s dolphin biodiversity is expanding beyond Chilika. Rare sightings and rescues of freshwater dolphins, especially the Gangetic dolphin, have sparked renewed interest in the hidden riverine dolphin habitats across the state.
🧭 Chilika: The Irrawaddy Dolphin Capital
Spanning over 1,100 sq km, Chilika is a biodiverse hotspot that supports not just migratory birds and fish but also a stable and growing population of Irrawaddy dolphins. These shy, rounded-headed dolphins are not just a tourist draw but an indicator species—their health reflects the overall vitality of the lagoon ecosystem.
Tourism models around dolphin watching in Chilika have been evolving to be more eco-sensitive, ensuring that boat movements and noise pollution are regulated to minimize disturbance to the dolphins.
🐋 Coastal Biodiversity: Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha
Beyond Chilika, Odisha’s coastal ecosystems are also proving to be vital dolphin habitats. The 2024 dolphin census recorded a total of 505 dolphins in the Bhitarkanika and Gahirmatha regions, covering four species including:
- Humpback Dolphins
- Bottlenose Dolphins
- Spinner Dolphins
- Irrawaddy Dolphins
The count was conducted by nine specialised teams covering estuarine waters from the Dhamra to Devi river mouths, highlighting the rich coastal mosaic of Odisha, which already hosts Olive Ridley turtles and mugger crocodiles.
🐬 A Rare Glimpse: Gangetic Dolphins in Odisha’s Rivers
In a surprising development, a rare Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica) was captured on January 18, 2024, in the Jalaka River in Balasore district. Though later rescued and relocated to a pond, forest officials plan to release it into the Budhabalang River—signaling a possible understudied presence of these dolphins in Odisha’s river systems.
Declared India’s National Aquatic Animal in 2009, the Gangetic dolphin is blind from birth and navigates using echolocation. It is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, and classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
🔍 Why This Matters: Expanding Conservation Horizons
The presence of Gangetic dolphins in Odisha’s rivers opens new avenues for freshwater conservation efforts. Key questions now arise:
- Are these dolphins part of a resident population?
- Could Odisha’s rivers serve as secondary habitats for endangered freshwater species?
- Is there an urgent need for comprehensive habitat mapping?
Experts and forest officials are advocating for:
- Riverine dolphin population surveys
- Dedicated conservation zones in river systems
- Community-based monitoring frameworks
The Chilika model of conservation, which involves local communities, regulated tourism, and scientific monitoring, can serve as a template for extending protection to riverine dolphin habitats.
🏞️ The Road Ahead: A Multi-Ecosystem Conservation Model
Odisha has a unique opportunity to become India’s first multi-ecosystem dolphin conservation leader, bridging brackish lagoons, marine coasts, and freshwater rivers. With state initiative, scientific support, and public awareness, it is possible to ensure that these graceful aquatic mammals are not merely creatures of myth and museum but thriving species in Odisha’s living ecosystems.