EVERY rhythmic flow in the Indus River once carried the quiet melodies of the place the dolphin calls home. In this era of neglect, that voice is lost. One of the primary contributors is our negligent practices, which pollute the river and push this majestic being to the brink of extinction.

Once living abundantly across the Indus River system, fewer than 2,000 of these remarkable creatures remain, confined to scattered sections of the river. The fate of this species is a measure of our commitment to environmental protection and the preservation of our shared heritage, which is a cause greater than the scope of wildlife conservation. Plastics and pollutants dumped into the rivers are invisible threats, choking aquatic ecosystems and pushing vulnerable species like the Indus River dolphin towards extinction.

A single discarded plastic bag or bottle can remain in the environment for centuries, causing irreparable harm to wildlife and communities reliant on the river for sustenance.

However, the solution is in our hands: education, awareness and grassroots action. Local stories and art can become powerful tools for change. Murals in riverside villages portraying the dolphin’s grace and plight, or sensitisation efforts showing the overwhelming impact of pollution on aquatic life can do wonders in the long run. Such initiatives inform and inspire individuals to act, making conservation a shared responsibility.

The Indus River dolphin is a key part of the ecological and cultural identity of Pakistan. Protecting it necessitates fast-paced measures such as enforcing anti-pollution laws, promoting waste management practices, and encouraging riverside people with eco-friendly alter-natives. The authorities, civil society and individuals should collaborate collectively.

We can start the journey on a small scale, reducing plastic use, participating in river clean-up drives, and amplifying the message of conservation through local platforms.

Only then can we ensure the Indus River dolphin remains a living emblem of hope and resilience for future generations.

Muhammad Shahjahan Memon
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, February 10th, 2025