SUKKUR, Dec 30: About 33 protected Indus dolphins are entrapped in different canals of upper Sindh and their lives are in danger. According to a study conducted by the Sindh Wildlife Department, about seven dolphins had already died , nine were rescued and 33 still were entrapped.

Rare Indus dolphin, which is only found in the Indus River, is facing extinction due to habitat loss, pollution, water shortage and lack of food. At present the Indus dolphin, a fresh water mammal, is fighting for its survival in its shrinking habitat between Guddu and Sukkur.

According to wildlife sources, when the Indus River was free of all human interventions, this unique creature was found in it from Attock to the Indus delta and its population was safe and healthy.

They said when human being started encroaching natural flow of the river and created man-made hurdles by constructing dams and barrages, this animal was now trapped between Sukkur and Guddu.

Wildlife experts said Indus River's low water level, pollution of agro industry, chemical industry, hydel power stations and sewerage water had put lives of blind dolphin at stake.

They said there were only 650 dolphins in the river which according to the last roll-call were about 1,100. They said the last refuge of the endangered creature had now shrunk due to water shortage. They said the entire population of dolphins was facing risk. They said water scarcity and food shortage are the main reasons for its straying and stranding in canals.