Halda becoming hazardous for fishes

The death of dolphins in the Halda River, a part of the national heritage, continues unchecked, as the number of dead dolphins has increased to 45 this year.

A dead dolphin was recovered from the Kagatia Canal linked to the Halda River in West Guzra Union of Raozan Upazila on February 12. Earlier, another dead Gangetic dolphin was found in January and another in December last year.

Dr Manzoorul Kibria, a professor of zoology at the University of Chittagong and coordinator of the Halda River Research Laboratory, said, "According to the upazila fisheries department, this is the 45th dead dolphin since 2018. Two dead dolphins have so far been recovered this year.

"A total of 18 dead dolphins were discovered in the river in between September 2017 and February 2018. As per the IUCN list, there are 1100 to 1200 Red Dolphins in the world now. Of these, at least 200 to 250 dolphins are living in the Halda."

The environment of the river is being polluted and risky for fishes day by day. At least 20 species of fishes, including Ruhi and Katla, have perished due to severe pollution from the industrial and city's garbage. Besides, Red Dolphin, which is a rare species of fish, is in danger of extinction due to the rampant use of engine boats in the last several years.

Gangetic dolphins inhabit the Karnaphuli and the Halda rivers in Chattogram. Locally, they are known as "Hutum" or "Shushuk."

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed the Gangetic dolphin as endangered one. This species is protected under provision 1 of the Bangladesh Wildlife (Conservation and Security) Act of 2012.

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