River Dolphins face extinction

Two members of Charsindur Bannyaprani Sangrakkayn Samiti in Narshingdi carrying a river dolphin to deep water in Shitalakhya river in Charsindur after rescuing it from the shoreline.. PHOTO: STAR

River dolphin, locally known as Shushuk, was once seen in deep waters in Meghna, Titas, Gumuti, Burinadi and Dakatia rivers. They used to move in flocks, jump and raise their heads above water and dive again. But such scenes are rare in the rivers now.

Pollution of river water due to release of toxic chemicals and effluents, excessive use of fertiliser and pesticide in agriculture lands that flow into rivers, indiscriminate use of mechanised boats on rivers and deposit of silt are the main reasons, environmentalists said.

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In different spots, Titas and Burinadi have turned into canals. Shitalakkya river has also been silted.

The Shitalakkya river is being polluted every day at different points in Ghurashal of Polash due to release of toxic chemicals including ammonia from factories along its banks.

A section of fishermen also use big nets in Shitalakhya, which creates obstruction in the way of free movement of dolphins. As a result, they can not hunt fish and face malnutrition, which affect their growth and breeding.

Besides, river dolphins are caught from the Shitalakkya river at night by a section of fishermen by using speaks and other equipment.

Fisherman Nibaran Roy of Narshindi said the dishonest fishermen sell the mammal's fat. The oil produced from the fat is a good medicine rheumatic disease.

Last year, some fishermen caught a river dolphin at Debidyar in Gumuti river. But it was sold before members of Charsindur Bannyaprani Sangrakkayn Samiti (a wildlife protection body) of Narshindi reached there.

Talking to this correspondent recently, its officials said still there sare some river dolphins in Shitalakkya, Gumuti, Meghna and Bhurigangarivers.

If steps are not taken, the animal will be extinct soon, said its president Sarwar Pathan.

Recently, a dolphin got stuck up in shallow waters of the Shitalakhya in Charsindur.

On information, a four-member team from Charsindur Bannyaprani Sangrakkayn Samiti rushed there rescued and released it into deep water.

The animal may be extinct in next five to six years if steps are not taekn right now, they told this correspondent.

They urged authorities the concerned to take proper step soon to save the river dolphin in the country.