Endangered river dolphin found dead near sand mining site in Boko, probe underway

The carcass of an endangered river dolphin was recovered from the Mora Kolohi River near Boko on Saturday, triggering concern among environmentalists and residents over the possible impact of human activities on the fragile aquatic ecosystem.

The decomposed carcass of the rare river dolphin, locally known as “Xihu”, was found floating in the Mora Kolohi River near the Samaria Revenue Circle Office and close to the historic Samaria Satra. Following information from local residents, officials from the Nagarbera River Forest Range reached the site and recovered the carcass.

Forest officials said the exact cause of death will be determined only after a post-mortem examination. Divisional Forest Officer of West Kamrup Forest Division, Subodh Talukdar, said the dolphin carcass has been sent to Nagarbera for examination.

The incident has sparked allegations and speculation among nature lovers and local residents. A section of environmental activists alleged that ongoing sand mining operations in the Mora Kolohi River may have contributed to the dolphin’s death, claiming that similar incidents have occurred in the past.

Some residents also expressed concern over pollution allegedly originating from the Chaygaon Industrial Development Centre. However, environmentalists argued that if industrial pollution had caused the death, fish and other aquatic species in the river would likely have been affected first.

Another possible cause being discussed is entanglement in fishing nets. Although fishing has been prohibited from April to July by the Kamrup district administration to facilitate fish breeding, residents alleged that illegal fishing activities continue in the area.

Environmental groups further raised concerns over sand extraction and transportation activities near the Samaria Satra area, claiming that mining operations are taking place close to dolphin habitats.

The Forest Department, however, has not linked sand mining to the dolphin’s death and has maintained that conclusions can only be drawn after the post-mortem findings are available.

Nature lovers and conscious citizens from the Boko region have called for a thorough investigation by higher authorities, the state government and environmental bodies to ensure stronger protection measures for the endangered river dolphins and their habitat.

According to available estimates, Assam currently has around 635 river dolphins, making conservation efforts increasingly crucial for the survival of the species.