World Wildlife Week
On the occasion of Wildlife Week, 30 students of UG Semester-I and faculty members from the Department of Zoology, Patna Women’s College, Autonomous, Patna University, had the privilege of participating in a seminar on 3rd October, 2023 on the topic ‘Conservation and Popularization of Ganges River Dolphin’, organized by the Zoological Survey of India, Gangetic Plains Regional Centre, Patna.
Dr. Gopal Sharma, Director, Zoological Survey of India, Gangetic Plains Regional Centre, presented the details of Gangetic River Dolphin. The presentation was accompanied by a descriptive PowerPoint (PPT) presentation that shed light on the critical importance of conserving the Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in the Ganges River. Dr. Sharma’s talk touched upon various aspects of the Gangetic Dolphin’s biology, habitat, and the challenges it faces due to habitat degradation, pollution, and human activities. He emphasized the need for immediate conservation efforts to protect this iconic species.
Following the enlightening session, the students and teachers were taken to Triveni Ghat, Fatuha, a place of immense significance where the Ganga and Punpun rivers converge. It was here that the participants had a golden opportunity to witness the majestic Gangetic River Dolphin in its natural habitat from a short distance. Participating in this seminar during the Wildlife Week, 2023 was a memorable and educational experience.
Dr. Sister M Stuti AC and Dr. Neetu, Assistant Professors, Department of Zoology, Patna Women’s College, extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr. Gopal Sharma for his insightful presentation and to the organizers for providing them with the opportunity to witness the beauty of the Gangetic Dolphin up close. Such experiences are instrumental in nurturing a deep sense of responsibility towards wildlife conservation among the future custodians of our planet.