The endangered Dolphin in Mohana River in Kailali district is now under threat as the District Development Committee has already awarded a tender for a fishing group to fish in Mohana River and its surrounding waters.


Dolphins are known for their sophistication but their number is on a decline in the far western region. As soon as the fisherman start fishing in the river, it is almost certain that remaining dolphins will be disappearing soon.


Although conservationists from Kailali district have opposed the move, the DDC claims that it is necessary to generate resources. Dolphins are found in Mohana, Patharaiya, Kada and Karnali River of far western region. Although Dolphin is in the protected animal list, the government is yet to carry out programs to protect them.


According to experts, the dolphin fish migrated to Mohana River from Karnali River. Kailas Lamsal of Western Terai Arch Land Project stressed the need to protect Dolphins through coordination among various stakeholders. The project has been supporting Dolphin conservation in Kailali district.


According to District Development Officer Gokarna Prasad Sharma, it is village development committees which are issuing fishing tenders to private fishing groups.


“DDC has done nothing in this regard,” said Sharma.


Along with fishermen on the Nepalese side of the border, Indian fishermen are also killing dolphins.


If this continues, the species will be disappearing soon.