Hope for Kulsi River Dolphins as Batha River Provides Lifeline

The drying Kukurmara stretch of the Kulsi river has raised concerns for its resident dolphins, but the recent influx of water from the Batha river offers a glimmer of hope. This development has led to increased dolphin sightings, previously rare due to habitat disruption. Experts emphasize the need for scientific studies and dredging to ensure the long-term survival of these aquatic mammals and the communities that depend on the river. A recent survey highlighted the presence of Gangetic river dolphins in the area, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 7, 2025, 13:06 IST

A New Source of Water for River Dolphins

Amingaon, Aug 7: The habitat of the Kulsi river dolphins is under threat due to the drying of the Kukurmara section of the river. However, a positive development has emerged as the Batha river has recently become a vital water source.

Flowing from Meghalaya, the Batha river merges with the Kulsi at Hatheni-mukh, approximately 40 kilometers from Longshai. Tapas Das, who has been conducting river tours for over two decades, noted, “As the Kukurmara stretch of the Kulsi struggles, the influx of water from Batha over the past two months has been a blessing.”

“Dolphin sightings had become infrequent after the Kukurmara section transformed into a beel (lake) due to a diversion at Chhaygaon. However, with the Batha's water now flowing in, spotting these dolphins has become a common occurrence,” Das added.

Reports indicate that the natural flow of the Kulsi river was disrupted by an alleged diversion at Chhaygaon, which negatively impacted the water levels in the Kukurmara stretch, a known habitat for dolphins.

During a recent boat tour, this correspondent observed four river dolphins, including two calves, at the confluence of the Batha and Kulsi rivers, where the water level was visibly rising.

“While dolphins do migrate, they were frequently seen here due to the sufficient depth and food availability,” Das explained. Local resident Debojit Choudhury added that several wetlands near the river serve as food sources for these aquatic mammals.

However, Prof. Mrigendra Mohan Goswami, a former head of the Zoology Department at Gauhati University, pointed out that the Batha river has also become shallow in many areas.

“A scientific study is urgently needed. If the river is dredged properly, it will enhance the water flow, providing significant relief to the Kukurmara stretch of the Kulsi,” he stated.

Dipankar Das, a manual sand miner, emphasized that revitalizing the Kukurmara stretch is crucial not only for the river dolphins but also for the thousands of people who rely on the river for their livelihoods.

A survey conducted in 2022 by the Wildlife Institute of India, under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, reported the presence of 20 Gangetic river dolphins along a 60 km stretch of the Kulsi river from Kukurmara to Nagarbera.