The Explorer News Desk
KARACHI: The Sindh government has decided to place a ban on fishing in River Indus between Guddu and Sukkur barrages. The decision was taken in view of threats to the life of blind dolphin and recent reports about its frequent deaths.
During question and answer session at the Sindh Assembly here on Thursday, Sindh Wildlife Minister, Daya Ram said that his department in consultation with the fisheries department has sent a summary to chief minister in this regard.
The minister said that the population of dolphins, locally called Bhulan, between Guddu and Sukkur has been estimated at 918. There are reports of frequent deaths in this part of River Indus due to excessive hunting by the fishermen who use poison to catch the fish.
“Around 24 dolphins were found dead in this area last year and seven deaths were reported from January 24 to 30 this year,” he said.
He further said earlier there was a contract system in the fisheries and every fisherman was not allowed fishing. But since the contract system has been abolished, local fishermen, under permission from fisheries department, continue fishing 24 hours, which is threatening for dolphins, an endangered species.
Referring to a survey conducted by his department in 2011, the minister said there were around 950 dolphins in River Indus from Guddu to Kotri. Out of them 918 are between Guddu and Sukkur barrages
