To ensure the protection of Indus blind dolphins near the Taunsa Dam on the Indus River, Punjab Wildlife has intensified its monitoring efforts. Meanwhile, the five Indus blind dolphins rescued two days ago are also under close observation.
A complete ban on fishing has been imposed in the Taunsa Dam buffer zone. Additionally, staff from Punjab Wildlife, Fisheries and WWF have removed fishing nets set for fishing.
The team rescued five Indus blind dolphins, including two adults and three calves, which had been stranded due to low water levels downstream of the Taunsa Dam. The dolphins were safely moved to deeper waters of the river.
Punjab Deputy Director Wildlife in DG Khan Muhammad Hussain Gishkori said Express News:
“On Friday, we received information from a local NGO and wildlife personnel involved in aquatic life conservation that several Indus blind dolphins were stranded in the downstream area of Taunsa Barrage on the Indus River. We traveled 200 kilometers to reach to the site, where wildlife, fisheries staff and WWF volunteers were already present.”
Muhammad Hussain Gishkori explained that the water level in some areas downstream of the Tunssa Dam was critically low. He said they surveyed about two kilometers of the river, where low water levels had left five dolphins, two adults and three calves, stranded and unable to move.
He added that the dolphins were safely moved to deeper waters and that all five were now safe. He also mentioned having observed six dolphins in the area, suggesting that their number could exceed ten.
Punjab Wildlife and Fisheries staff also removed fishing nets placed in various parts of Taunsa Barrage. Authorities reported that fishing is prohibited in this buffer zone under the Wildlife Act, but poachers occasionally set nets at night.
“Thank God the dolphins didn’t get caught in the nets,” Gishkori said. “To prevent future risks, all nets have been removed and surveillance has been further intensified.” He reiterated that the Taunsa Dam, both upstream and downstream, is a protected buffer zone where all hunting of aquatic life is strictly prohibited.
The discovery that the dolphins were stranded due to low water levels came when Khadim Hussain, a worker at the Sindhu Bachao Tarala Foundation, and his team studied the blind Indus dolphins. They saw the dolphins stranded in a section of the river with critically low water. Khadim Hussain said he immediately informed WWF and Punjab Wildlife authorities, whose quick action saved the dolphins.
