Lahore: (RightNow) A rare Indus blind dolphin was found dead along the banks of the Sindh River. Local social activists have raised concerns about the wildlife protection and monitoring system.

The dolphin’s body was discovered near the banks of the Sindh River in the jurisdiction of Thana Shero Jadeed, Dera Ghazi Khan. This location is close to a passenger boarding and alighting point for boats.

Additional Chief Wildlife Ranger South Punjab, Sheikh Muhammad Zahid, stated that the dolphin arrived here during recent floods. After the water level receded, it could not return to the river.

It is noteworthy that the Punjab government recently established the Panjnad Indus River Dolphin Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary spans 198 kilometers along the Sindh River.

The population of Indus dolphins in Punjab is estimated to be around 660. These dolphins face threats from water pollution, illegal hunting, and the division caused by barrages.