The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited will fund a Wildlife Institute of India study titled “Beneath the Brahmaputra” to assess how the proposed underwater tunnel could affect the Gangetic river dolphin and aquatic biodiversity. 

More About the News

• The study will be led by Dr Vishnupriya Kolipakam and will examine ecological impacts before, during and after construction.

What will the study examine?

The study will follow a three-phase approach:

• The pre-construction phase will establish baseline information on dolphin populations, habitats and existing ecological conditions.
• The construction phase will examine the effects of underwater noise, vibrations and construction activity on aquatic organisms.
• The post-construction phase will assess ecological recovery and whether mitigation measures have been effective.

The researchers will use acoustic monitoring, habitat assessment and dolphin tagging to understand changes in dolphin behaviour, distribution and habitat use.

Why is the Gangetic River Dolphin important?

• The Gangetic river dolphin is an Endangered species, India’s National Aquatic Animal, and an important indicator of the health of river ecosystems. 
• A recent assessment estimated 635 dolphins in Assam, including 584 in the Brahmaputra and 51 in its tributaries. 
• The species is protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and its conservation is supported by the Project Dolphin initiative and the Comprehensive Action Plan for River Dolphins, 2022–2047.

The Brahmaputra Tunnel Project

• The proposed Gohpur–Numaligarh corridor will have a total length of about 33.7 km, including a 15.79-km twin-tube underwater tunnel. 
• The approved total capital cost is about ₹18,662 crore, while the civil construction cost is ₹11,982.36 crore.
• The project will use Tunnel Boring Machine technology and one tunnel tube will include railway infrastructure.

Why is the study significant?

• Large infrastructure projects can improve connectivity and economic development, but construction in ecologically sensitive river systems can create risks through noise pollution, vibrations, habitat disturbance and changes in aquatic behaviour.
• The environmental assessment process for the project has specifically called for studies on the impact of tunnel vibrations on freshwater dolphins and Brahmaputra aquatic life, along with biodiversity assessment and mitigation measures.
• The project therefore illustrates the principle of sustainable infrastructure, where development and ecological protection are planned together.

Exam Hook:

Prelims Question

Consider the following statements:

1. The Brahmaputra underwater tunnel project will connect Gohpur and Numaligarh in Assam.
2. The project includes a twin-tube underwater tunnel, with railway infrastructure planned in one tube.
3. The Wildlife Institute of India will study the possible impact of construction-related noise and vibrations on aquatic biodiversity.
4. The Gangetic river dolphin is India’s National Aquatic Animal.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

One-line wrap: The “Beneath the Brahmaputra” study seeks to ensure that Assam’s major underwater connectivity project proceeds with scientific safeguards for the endangered Gangetic river dolphin and the wider aquatic ecosystem.