Anthropogenic activities threaten river dolphin habitat in Assam’s Kulsi River

The Kulsi River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra in Assam originating from the hills of Meghalaya, is facing severe threats due to human activities. This river, stretching approximately 70 kilometers with a width ranging from 10 to 30 meters, serves as a unique habitat for freshwater river dolphins and their calves, particularly during the winter and spring seasons when they forage for fish.

 

In recognition of its ecological significance, the Assam government designated the river dolphin as the "State Aquatic Animal" in 2008, followed by its designation as the "National Aquatic Animal" by the Central government in 2009. River dolphins, akin to tigers in forests, are vital indicators of aquatic ecosystem health and are protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

 

Despite these protections, the Kulsi River's ecosystem is being devastated by anthropogenic activities. Illegal sand mining, driven by high demand, has emerged as a primary threat. Social activists dedicated to conserving this unique habitat highlight that illegal sand mining has persisted for years, significantly degrading the river.

 

A report by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), led by Dr. Abdul Wakid, a renowned scientist and head of the Gangetic Dolphin Research and Conservation Division (GDRCD) of Aaranyak, identifies sand mining, industrial waste, and infrastructural developments such as bridges as major factors in the river's degradation. With 17 years of experience in dolphin conservation, Dr. Wakid emphasizes that hotspots for river dolphins are being destroyed due to these activities.

 

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Illegal sand mining has drastically reduced the water depth in many areas of the Kulsi River to below one meter, with some parts virtually drying up. Experts warn that the resident population of the national aquatic animal is nearing extinction in the Kulsi. The WII’s report, "Status of Ganges River Dolphins in Kulsi River, Assam 2021," notes that dolphins prefer habitats with water depths greater than two meters. The report attributes the altered water flow regime of the Kulsi to mechanized sand mining activities, particularly upstream, which has diverted more water into Chaygaon, leaving the Kulsi almost dry for the first 10 kilometers up to Kukurmara, a former hotspot.

 

Dipankar Thakuriya, a social activist from a nearby village and a member of Banyabandhu, an organization focused on nature conservation, recalls that Kukurmara was once a prime area for river dolphins. He asserts that the ongoing sand mining and construction of bridges have significantly affected the water flow and level in the Kulsi, directly impacting the dolphins.

 

Despite these challenges, the forest department and various NGOs are striving to curb illegal sand mining. A senior forest official suggests that establishing legal sand mining operations, or "mahals," could mitigate the problem. However, illegal operators often obstruct these efforts by filing court cases, claiming the areas are dolphin habitats.

 

The forest department has made numerous seizures, annually confiscating over 400 vehicles and sand extraction machines. Given that the sand miners are local residents, the success of preservation efforts heavily relies on public support. To provide alternative livelihoods, the forest department is training villagers in bamboo handicrafts and jewelry making.

 

Additionally, three dolphin conservation programs have been funded by the Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA) under the Assam Forest Department. These initiatives include procuring microphones to reduce human-animal conflicts and organizing awareness programs, especially in schools. Thakuriya of Banyabandhu mentions that they conduct various educational activities, including essay and poem competitions, to raise awareness about the importance of opposing illegal sand mining.

 

While these measures have reduced illegal sand mining to some extent, they are insufficient to fully restore the Kulsi River’s conditions. The senior forest official acknowledges increased public vigilance and assistance, noting that while illegal sand mining has decreased significantly, it has not been completely eradicated.