A blind dolphin was found dead near Gate No. 5 of the Sukkur Barrage in the Indus River on Wednesday, sparking concern among environmentalists and wildlife advocates.
The lifeless body of the dolphin was discovered floating in polluted waters, filled with trash and plastic waste, leading to an outpouring of concern on social media.
The disturbing video, showing the dolphin's carcass in the polluted water, has drawn attention to the deteriorating condition of the Indus River and its wildlife. Local residents reported spotting the dead dolphin and immediately informed authorities, but by the time of the report, wildlife officials had yet to retrieve the body.
Initial reports suggest that the dolphin may have died due to shallow water levels in the Indus River. As the water recedes, especially during ongoing water shortages in Sindh, dolphins are often trapped in smaller canals or confined to shallow waters, leaving them more vulnerable to injury, death, and human interference.
Experts have warned that declining water levels and increasing pollution in the river continue to pose significant threats to the endangered Indus River dolphin, a species that is already facing the risk of extinction. The environmental damage caused by pollution and water shortages exacerbates the situation, further endangering the species.
This tragic discovery comes shortly after a criminal case was filed against two individuals under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act 2020 for the killing of another Indus dolphin in the Dadu Canal. The accused had removed the dolphin from the canal, took photos, and uploaded them to social media, causing further harm to the animal and eventually leading to its death.
Javed Mahar, Conservator of Sindh Wildlife, highlighted that the ongoing threats to the Indus dolphin require immediate attention and action from both authorities and the public to prevent further casualties and protect this endangered species.
