To ensure the protection of Indus Blind Dolphins near the Taunsa Barrage 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 introduced in the buffer zone at the Taunsa barrage. In addition, Punjab Wildlife, Fisheries and WWF staff have removed fishing nets set up to catch fish.

The team rescued five Indus blind dolphins, including two adults and three calves, that had been stranded due to low water levels downstream of the Taunsa barrage. The dolphins were safely transferred to deeper water in the river.

Deputy Director of Punjab Wildlife in DG Khan, Muhammad Hussain Gishkori, told Express news:
“On Friday, we received information from a local NGO and wildlife staff involved in the conservation of aquatic life that several Indus blind dolphins were stranded in the downstream area of ​​the Taunsa barrage on the Indus River. We traveled 200 kilometers to reach the site, where Wildlife, Fisheries staff and WWF volunteers were already present.”

Muhammad Hussain Gishkori explained that water levels in some areas downstream of the Tunssa barrage were critically low. He said they were examining about two kilometers of the river, where the low water levels had left five dolphins – two adults and three calves – stranded and unable to move.

He added that the dolphins were safely transferred to deeper water and that all five were now safe. He also mentioned observing six dolphins in the area, suggesting their number could exceed ten.

The staff of Punjab Wildlife and Fisheries also removed fishing nets placed in different parts of Taunsa Barrage. Authorities reported that fishing is prohibited in this buffer zone under the Wildlife Act, but poachers occasionally set up nets during the night.

“Thank God the dolphins were not 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 barrage, both upstream and downstream, is a protected buffer zone where all hunting of aquatic animals is strictly prohibited.

The discovery that the dolphins were stranded due to low water levels came when Khadim Hussain, a worker from the Sindhu Bachao Tarala Foundation, and his team investigated the Indus Blind Dolphins. They saw the stranded dolphins in a critically shallow part of the river. Khadim Hussain said he immediately informed WWF and Punjab Wildlife authorities, whose quick action saved the dolphins.