India, Jan. 20 -- The Odisha government on Monday began the annual dolphin census across waters in and around Bhitarkanika National Park and the Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary. The three-day survey will continue till January 22.

The census is being conducted in waterbodies between the Dhamra river mouth and the Devi river mouth, including creeks and rivers flowing through Bhitarkanika National Park. This year, nine specialised teams have been deployed for the enumeration exercise.

Encouraging sightings in Babubali Creek On the first day of the survey, a large number of dolphins were sighted playing together in Babubali Creek in Kendrapara district. Officials said the congregation of dolphins in a single waterbody has opened up new possibil...