THE Indus dolphin, or bulhan as it is known locally, is a remarkable species found only in the Indus River. Unlike other dolphins, it is functionally blind, but has sophisticated sonar capabilities to navigate and hunt in our murky river waters. Its distinctive side-swimming and remarkable adaptations make it invaluable for scientific study and a critical indicator of river ecosystem health. Unfortunately, with a population of approximately 1,960, the bulhan remains critically endangered. Organisations like WWF-Pakistan and community volunteers have made significant strides in reversing its decline. Awareness campaigns have curbed harmful practices, such as killing dolphins for oil, and promoted dolphin-safe fishing. Volunteers also educate local communities on alternative livelihoods, such as kitchen gardening, to reduce dependence on fishing.
Current conservation efforts rely heavily on foreign NGOs, an unsustainable model that sidesteps state responsibility. The federal and provincial governments must take the lead. They must allocate dedicated funding, support research, and create permanent positions for local conservation officers rather than depending on volunteers. The private sector should pitch in with corporate social responsibility programmes focused on river conservation and eco-tourism development. These programmes can be incentivised by the government through tax benefits. For their part, communities along the Indus must participate in citizen science programmes to monitor dolphin populations and maintain riverbank habitats. Moreover, educational institutions should integrate river ecosystem studies into their curricula. This means not just textbook learning but hands-on field visits to the Indus, where students can participate in dolphin monitoring, understand river health indicators, and learn practical conservation techniques. Most crucially, Pakistan must develop its own cadre of marine biologists and conservation experts through specialised university programmes and research grants. The Indus dolphin isn’t merely a species to preserve — it’s a symbol of our ecological heritage. Its survival depends on collective action. We must come together to secure the future of this irreplaceable treasure of the Indus.
Published in Dawn, January 13th, 2025
