Guwahati: Forest officials recovered the decomposed carcass of an endangered river dolphin from the Mora Kolohi River near Boko on Saturday. The rare animal, locally called Xihu, was spotted by residents floating near the Samaria Revenue Circle Office. Officials from the Nagarbera River Forest Range have transported the remains to Nagarbera for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
The discovery has prompted local outcry and environmental concern. Activists and area residents have pointed to nearby sand mining operations as a potential factor, noting that such activities often encroach upon critical dolphin habitats. Others have raised concerns about illegal fishing, which continues despite a seasonal ban, and potential pollution from a nearby industrial center.
While the Forest Department has not officially linked the death to mining or industrial activity, residents and nature lovers are urging the government to conduct a thorough investigation. With an estimated population of only 635 river dolphins in Assam, there is growing pressure on authorities to implement stronger protection measures to ensure the species' survival.
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