A blind dolphin is found dead near Gate No. 5 at the Sukkur Barrage, located in the Indus River, according to reports from ARY News. A video showing the dolphin’s lifeless body floating in polluted water, filled with trash and plastic waste, circulates on social media. This sparks concern among environmentalists and animal welfare groups.
Locals spot the dead dolphin and inform the authorities. They report that the dolphin’s body remains visible for several hours. However, wildlife department officials do not arrive to collect the carcass at the time of reporting.
Initial observations suggest that low water levels in the Indus River may have contributed to the dolphin’s death. Experts warn that ongoing water shortages and decreasing river levels in Sindh endanger the already threatened Indus River dolphin. As water recedes, these dolphins often become stranded in shallow areas or canals. This leaves them vulnerable to injury, death, and human interference.
Earlier, a criminal case was filed under the Sindh Wildlife Protection Act 2020. Two individuals are accused of killing an Indus dolphin, a rare species known as the “Queen of the Indus River.” This dolphin had strayed into the Dadu Canal and was found dead several kilometers away near the Phakka Distributary, also known as Amb Mori.
Javed Mahar, the Conservator of Sindh Wildlife, reveals that the individuals removed the dolphin from the canal, took photos, and shared them on social media. This act caused the dolphin’s skin to dry out, which eventually led to its death.
Following this, the Sindh Wildlife Department launched an operation to rescue the dolphin. Unfortunately, the team discovered the dead dolphin about 8 kilometers away near the village of Gulan Panhor.
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