‘Current jaal’ a big threat to Ganga dolphins

LUCKNOW: In good news, after ghariyals, sightings of Gangetic dolphins are increasing in the river Chambal, a 150km stretch of which from Agra to Etawah is a part of the National Chambal Sanctuary.
Both dolphins and ghariyals are critically endangered. While the sanctuary is the biggest abode of ghariyals in the world, the Ganga river dolphin was declared the national aquatic animal in 2009.
Recently, on Ganga River Dolphin Day on October 5, many threats the animal faces were highlighted.
The biggest among them is the ‘current jaal’ or an extremely dense fishing net. It is used by villagers living along Chambal and Yamuna.
According to conservationist Rajiv Chauhan, “It is called ‘current jaal’ locally because the sensation for the animal is like coming in contact with electricity. It can even kill dolphins. We had organised awareness programmes at 14 locations between Bateshwar in Agra till Prayagraj on the day and found that threats exist despite conservation.”
Besides, the mammal is sought during fishing because oil extracted from its body is illegally used as a reliever for joint pain and as a bait to catch smaller fish.
The practice has high incidence in villages in Jalaun along the National Chambal Sanctuary.
“A dolphin is hung over a fire for its body to melt. That’s how the oil is collected,” said Chauhan.
Commonly called ‘soons’ the fish is known to locals very well. When its oil is mixed with other oils and splashed on river water, it attracts smaller fish.
“It is a practice used also in Bihar,” he said.
Chauhan, who is working with the district administration of Etawah on a conservation programme called Namo Kalindi, said that a team of volunteers is being raised for a quick alert and response system against any such action against aquatic biodiversity.
Earlier this week, the state government had launched a 24-hour helpline for rescue of aquatic animals including dolphins. The helpline will be operated by Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), India. TSA rescues five to six dolphins every year. But, these are the only ones the agency receives information about.
The confluence of Chambal and Yamuna may have about 95 dolphins. Sightings are made throughout the year. Though dolphin population is increasing, the threats have not alleviated.