Gangetic river dolphin
The participation of 228 students across the two schools highlighted the potential of school-based river education to build awareness about riverine biodiversity and encourage the younger generation to engage with conservation. During a river-watch activity, the team encountered Gangetic River Dolphins, with the encounter rate reported to be notably high at the site. The programmes were conducted at Sitahati High School in East Bardhaman and Nabadwip Bakultala High School in Nadia. Through interactive presentations, dolphin-themed film screenings and quiz competitions, students learnt about the Gangetic River Dolphin, India’s National Aquatic Animal, its ecological importance and the threats facing the species. The classroom sessions were followed by river-watching activities and nature trails, allowing students to experience the riverine environment and observe its associated biodiversity. The field experience helped connect classroom learning with the natural environment, enabling students to observe the species they had learnt about and understand its dependence on a healthy river ecosystem. The programmes sought to take conservation education beyond conventional classroom teaching by combining awareness sessions with direct exposure to river habitats. Such activities can help young people understand the ecological importance of West Bengal’s rivers and the need to protect the wildlife they support.