Bihar Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden PK Gupta told this reporter that the NDRC is now operational and aims to assist scientists and researchers in studying Gangetic dolphins comprehensively.
Gupta added the centre will also provide training to fishermen on how to conserve and protect dolphins during fishing.
The NDRC, spanning a 4,400 square metre plot on the premises of Patna University near the Ganga, offers a strategic location for researchers to closely observe dolphins in their natural habitat.
The construction work began after the state urban development department cleared the building located at about 200 metres from the Ganga. The state forest, environment and climate change department had sought approval as any construction within 200 metres of the river is restricted.
Renowned expert on the Gangetic river dolphin, RK Sinha, had proposed the idea a decade ago. Montek Singh Ahulwalia, then-deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, had approved the proposal during his visits in mid-2011 and early 2012, after he was impressed by the sight of dolphins along the 22 kilometre stretch of the Ganga.
However, Sinha had also expressed concerns over the delays in setting up the centre.
Earlier, Bihar accounted for 50 per cent of the world’s river dolphin population. But the habitat is under threat now, said Sinha.