Government Of Bihar

The Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary (VGDS) was notified on 7th August 1991 (Notification No. S.O. 382) by the Forest Department, Government of Bihar under the provisions of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The sanctuary was established for the protection, conservation, and propagation of the endangered Gangetic dolphin, locally known as “Susu.” Located along a stretch of the Ganga River from Sultanganj to Kahalgaon in Bihar, VGDS is the only protected area in India designated exclusively for the conservation of the Gangetic dolphin, which is classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Beyond its flagship species, the sanctuary supports a rich diversity of aquatic flora and fauna. It is home to smooth-coated otters, several species of turtles, fishes and a variety of butterflies. During the winter months, the sanctuary and its surrounding wetlands become a seasonal haven for migratory birds arriving from regions such as Central Asia and Southeast Asia. VGDS stands as a vital ecological corridor and a significant conservation landscape, playing a crucial role in preserving the biodiversity of the Ganga River ecosystem.