Urgent Call to Save the Diminishing Dolphin Habitat in Kukurmara

Critical Condition of the Dorabeel-Kulsi Channel

Amingaon, Dec 25: The vital channel linking the Dorabeel wetland to the Kulsi river in Kukurmara is nearly dried up, posing a significant threat to the survival of the Gangetic river dolphins.

The flow of water in this 700-meter-long channel has drastically decreased, halting the migration of fish to the Kulsi river. A recent visit revealed the channel's alarming state, with minimal water flow. This confluence is crucial for dolphins, as it provides ample food year-round. The dolphins benefit from the disorientation of fish caused by the two opposing currents, making it easier for them to hunt. This location, known as Janarmukh, attracts tourists year-round due to the presence of these playful mammals.

During the rainy season, the channel can reach depths of up to four meters, which drops to two meters in the dry season. Currently, however, it is almost non-functional, raising serious concerns about fish migration to the dolphins' habitat. The wetland, home to 74 fish species, is a crucial breeding ground for various fish, including smaller species that migrate to the Kulsi river.

“This channel is essential for dolphin conservation. Without it, the dolphins will face a food shortage,” warned M M Goswami, a former professor at Gauhati University.

Goswami emphasized that the channel serves as a lifeline for both the national and state aquatic animals, urging that water flow must be maintained. He noted that both allochthonous and autochthonous sedimentation threaten the channel and wetland. He stated, “This channel is susceptible to allochthonous sedimentation and must be protected from such occurrences.”

It is noteworthy that a scientific study on four wetlands, including Dorabeel, was conducted for the first time between 1977 and 1980 under a project funded by the North Eastern Council, coordinated by Professor Dr S C Dey, with contributions from Dr M M Goswami and the late Bupen Lahaon.

Dr Goswami highlighted that river dolphins have thrived in this confluence for over forty years due to the consistent fish migration from the wetland. The fate of the dolphins is closely tied to the health of the channel and wetland, as fish breeding occurs in the wetland, necessitating well-maintained connecting channels for fish movement.

Social activist Manasjyoti Kalita has called for collective efforts to protect the channel.

“Conserving our natural resources should be our utmost priority. The local community has benefited economically from dolphin-centric tourism, but harmful human activities have negatively impacted tourism prospects,” Kalita stated.

Local residents lamented that this confluence, once a thriving habitat for dolphins, now rarely sees them, as fish migration from the wetland has nearly ceased.

They also reported that the channel has been obstructed with earth to facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles for three months, contributing to sediment accumulation.

“Some unscrupulous traders block the channel during the dry season for the convenience of dumpers and earth movers, disregarding environmental regulations,” they claimed, warning that this trend could undermine dolphin conservation efforts.

“We seek sustainable practices that ensure the channel remains intact for the uninterrupted migration of fish throughout the year,” expressed a group of environmentally conscious residents in the area.