Endangered Indus River dolphin rescued from fishing net in Chenab near Liaquat Pur

An endangered Indus River dolphin, locally known as Bhulan, was rescued after becoming entangled in a fisherman's net in the Chenab River

LAHORE / LIAQUAT PUR : An endangered Indus River dolphin, locally known as Bhulan, was rescued after becoming entangled in a fisherman’s net in the Chenab River near Liaquat Pur, with local residents managing to free the animal and return it safely to the river.

According to details, the dolphin became trapped during routine fishing activity in the Chenab River belt. Local people reportedly noticed the animal struggling in the fishing net and immediately moved towards the spot to assist.

The rescuers carefully cut through the net to release the dolphin, taking precautions to avoid causing further injury to the animal. After being freed, the dolphin was observed briefly before being returned to the river.

Witnesses said the animal eventually swam away into deeper water.

Rare sighting in Chenab

The rescue has attracted attention because sightings of Indus River dolphins in the Chenab are considered uncommon. The species is primarily associated with the Indus River system and is classified as endangered.

The Indus River dolphin is a freshwater species found in Pakistan and is considered an important indicator of the health of the river ecosystem. Its survival is closely linked to the availability and quality of freshwater habitats.

The animal is locally known as Bhulan and has historically been associated with the Indus and connected river systems.

Local response helps save dolphin

The quick response of people present at the fishing site helped prevent the animal from remaining trapped in the net for an extended period.

Accidental entanglement in fishing equipment is among the risks faced by aquatic wildlife. Dolphins can drown if they remain caught in nets and are unable to reach the surface to breathe.

Wildlife conservation efforts therefore encourage fishermen and riverside communities to remain alert when fishing in areas where aquatic mammals may be present.

Experts and conservation workers have repeatedly stressed the importance of community involvement in protecting endangered wildlife. Fishermen who accidentally catch a dolphin or other protected aquatic species are encouraged to avoid harming the animal and immediately seek assistance from relevant wildlife authorities.

Call for greater awareness

The incident has also highlighted the need for greater awareness among fishing communities along rivers connected to the Indus basin.

Conservation measures can be strengthened when local communities know how to respond to accidental entanglements and understand the protected status of endangered species.

Authorities and wildlife organisations can also play a role by educating fishermen about safer fishing practices and providing guidance on how to release accidentally trapped animals without causing injuries.

The successful rescue near Liaquat Pur provides a positive example of how timely intervention by local communities can help protect vulnerable wildlife.

For the endangered Indus River dolphin, every surviving animal is important to the long-term conservation of the species. Continued cooperation between local communities, fishermen, wildlife officials and conservation organisations remains essential to protect the remaining populations and their river habitats.

The rescued dolphin was released back into the Chenab River after being freed from the net and was reported to have swum away safely.

The incident has also encouraged calls for responsible fishing practices and greater public awareness about the protection of Pakistan’s endangered freshwater wildlife.