2025-12-25 · News

Urgent Threats to Gangetic Dolphin Survival as Assam's Dorabeel-Kulsi Channel Faces Depletion

The dwindling water levels in the Dorabeel-Kulsi channel, a crucial waterway in Assam, are raising serious concerns about the survival of the endangered Gangetic dolphin ( Platanista gangetica ). This channel serves as a vital habitat and migratory route for these iconic river dolphins, and its degradation presents a multifaceted threat to their already fragile population in the region. The situation calls for immediate attention and concerted conservation efforts to mitigate the risks.

The Gangetic dolphin, India's national aquatic animal, is a freshwater species primarily found in the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnaphuli-Sangu river systems. In Assam, the dolphins rely on channels like Dorabeel-Kulsi for feeding, breeding, and navigating between different river stretches. The reduction in water flow disrupts these essential activities, leading to a cascade of negative consequences.

Here are three main threats posed by the drying up of the Dorabeel-Kulsi channel:

1. Habitat Loss and Fragmentation:

As the water recedes, the available habitat for the Gangetic dolphins shrinks dramatically. The dolphins are forced into smaller, more concentrated areas, increasing competition for resources and making them more vulnerable to predators and human disturbances. Furthermore, the fragmentation of the channel isolates dolphin populations, hindering their ability to move freely and access different parts of their range for foraging or mating. This isolation can lead to inbreeding and reduced genetic diversity, further weakening the population's resilience.

2. Reduced Food Availability:

The drying channel also impacts the aquatic ecosystem that supports the dolphins. Fish populations, a primary food source for the dolphins, decline due to habitat loss, reduced breeding grounds, and changes in water quality. This scarcity of food can lead to malnutrition and starvation, particularly among young and vulnerable dolphins. The altered ecosystem also affects other aquatic life, creating an imbalance that further destabilizes the dolphins' habitat.

3. Increased Vulnerability to Human Activities:

With less water in the channel, dolphins become more susceptible to human interference. The shallow waters make them easier targets for poachers, who may hunt them for their oil or meat. Increased boat traffic and fishing activities in the shrinking channel also pose a threat, as dolphins can be accidentally entangled in fishing nets or injured by boat propellers. Furthermore, reduced water flow concentrates pollutants and contaminants, further degrading the water quality and endangering the dolphins' health.

The Need for Urgent Action

Addressing the threats to Gangetic dolphin survival in the Dorabeel-Kulsi channel requires a multi-pronged approach. Conservation efforts must focus on:

Water Resource Management: Implementing sustainable water management practices to ensure adequate water flow in the channel, especially during the dry season. This may involve regulating water extraction for irrigation and other purposes, as well as exploring options for water conservation and replenishment.
Habitat Restoration: Restoring degraded habitats within the channel, such as planting vegetation along the banks to stabilize the soil and provide shade, and removing obstacles that impede water flow.
Community Engagement: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts, raising awareness about the importance of protecting Gangetic dolphins, and providing alternative livelihood opportunities to reduce their dependence on activities that harm the dolphins.
Anti-Poaching Measures: Strengthening anti-poaching patrols and enforcement to deter illegal hunting of dolphins.
* Monitoring and Research: Conducting regular monitoring of the dolphin population and their habitat to assess the effectiveness of conservation efforts and adapt strategies as needed.

The survival of the Gangetic dolphin in Assam hinges on the implementation of effective conservation measures to protect their habitat and mitigate the threats they face. The drying up of the Dorabeel-Kulsi channel serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the conservation of these magnificent creatures and the fragile ecosystems they inhabit. By working together, government agencies, conservation organizations, and local communities can ensure a future where Gangetic dolphins thrive in the rivers of North East India.