Patna, January 30, 2025 – The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC), India’s first dedicated facility for the conservation of the endangered Gangetic dolphin, is expected to become operational by June 2025, nearly a year after its inauguration. Environment, Forest, and Climate Change Minister Prem Kumar shared this update during his visit to the centre on Wednesday.
“The state government will soon appoint employees at the centre. A proposal has already been submitted, and once all necessary arrangements are made, the NDRC is expected to start functioning by June,” the minister stated.
He also announced the formation of a committee to support fishermen and other communities dependent on aquatic animals. “Once operational, the centre will train fishermen on sustainable fishing practices to protect dolphins, making it a hub for aquatic conservation efforts. This initiative aims to protect not just Gangetic dolphins but other aquatic species found in various rivers across the state,” he added.
Delays and Challenges
The NDRC was inaugurated in March 2024 by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and was built at a cost of approximately ₹32 lakh on a 4,400-square-meter plot within Patna University’s campus near Law College Ghat. The centre is intended to conduct research on freshwater dolphins, but it has yet to begin its activities, leaving students and faculty members disappointed.
According to NDRC’s interim director, Gopal Sharma, the centre has faced numerous challenges since its inception. “A proposal for staff recruitment and procurement of essential research equipment has been submitted by the expert committee. Once the government approves the proposals and allocates the necessary budget, the centre will begin functioning in the next financial year,” Sharma said.
Despite being the only such facility in Asia, the NDRC has struggled to kickstart its research activities. However, with the latest assurances from the government, conservationists and researchers remain hopeful that the centre will soon fulfill its purpose of safeguarding India’s national aquatic animal.
