Which Indian state officially declared the dolphin as its State aquatic animal?

Introduction / Context:
Indian states often declare state symbols such as state animals, birds, trees, and flowers to highlight their natural heritage. Some states also declare a state aquatic animal to draw attention to vulnerable species. This question asks about the state that declared the dolphin, specifically the river dolphin, as its State aquatic animal, reflecting a commitment to conserving that species and its habitat.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The symbol concerned is the State aquatic animal.
• The species chosen is the dolphin.
• Options provided are Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and Goa.
• Only one of these states formally declared the dolphin as its State aquatic animal in the context of the question.

Concept / Approach:
This is an environment and state symbol based GK question. Punjab declared the Indus river dolphin as its State aquatic animal to raise awareness about this endangered species found in the Indus river system. While the Ganges river dolphin is the national aquatic animal of India, this question focuses on the state level decision. The approach is to recall that Punjab made headlines for this declaration, differentiating it from other states that have not taken this exact symbolic step.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the question is about a state level aquatic symbol, not the national aquatic animal. Step 2: Recall that Punjab announced the Indus river dolphin as its State aquatic animal. Step 3: Look at the options and confirm that Punjab is listed as Option C. Step 4: Recognise that Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and Goa are not commonly reported for this specific declaration. Step 5: Select Punjab as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
For verification, think about the natural distribution of river dolphins and recent conservation news. The Indus river dolphin is historically found in the Indus river system, and the stretch in Punjab has been a focus of conservation efforts. News about Punjab declaring the Indus river dolphin as its State aquatic animal was widely reported. By contrast, although Uttar Pradesh borders the Ganges, the question here is about a state symbol, and Punjab holds that distinction for the dolphin in this context.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Telangana: This state has other official symbols and river systems, but it is not known for declaring the dolphin as its State aquatic animal in the manner described here.
Uttar Pradesh: While the Ganges river dolphin is present in rivers that flow through Uttar Pradesh, the state is not identified in the question's context as having declared dolphin as its State aquatic animal.
Goa: Known for marine biodiversity along the Arabian Sea, but Goa has different state symbols and is not specifically associated with this declaration.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates may confuse the national aquatic animal (the Ganges river dolphin) with state level decisions and incorrectly select a state located along the Ganges such as Uttar Pradesh. Another pitfall is assuming that coastal states like Goa must have aquatic animals as state symbols. To avoid these errors, remember that Punjab specifically declared the Indus river dolphin as its State aquatic animal to highlight conservation efforts.

Final Answer:
Punjab