Bengal Plans Dolphin Parks Along the Hooghly

West Bengal planned two dolphin parks on 18 June 2026, with one site along the Hooghly River and another at Kanthi in East Midnapore. The proposal was linked to aquatic biodiversity conservation, eco-tourism, and river-cleaning measures under the Namami Gange programme.

Dolphin Parks and River Conservation

Dolphin parks are conservation-linked sites for riverine species, especially the Ganges River dolphin, which is listed as endangered in India. The Hooghly River forms part of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system, which supports freshwater biodiversity in West Bengal.

Namami Gange and Sewage Control

Namami Gange is a Central government programme for the rejuvenation of the Ganga and its tributaries through sewage treatment, river-surface cleaning, afforestation, and biodiversity conservation. Five new sewage treatment plants were planned for Kolkata to reduce untreated wastewater discharge into the Hooghly.

Water Use and Industrial Regulation

The state government considered water meters for commercial and industrial establishments to monitor water use. It also considered filtration systems for treated effluent discharge from industries, which is a common pollution-control measure under wastewater management rules.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Ganges River dolphin is India’s national aquatic animal and is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• The Ganges River dolphin is classified as endangered on the IUCN Red List.
• The Hooghly River is a distributary of the Ganga in West Bengal.
• A 2022-2023 study recorded 303 Ganges River dolphins in the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system.

Recent Scientific and Policy Context

An Observer Research Foundation study published in February 2026 examined inland waterways in West Bengal and their possible effects on Ganges River dolphins. The study period of 2022-2023 recorded higher dolphin numbers in the dry season in the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system.