Given the varied topography, Nepal is rich in biodiversity, and it possesses varied climatic conditions, making it fertile ground for countless aquatic species to flourish in the major rivers originating in the high Himalayas and mid-hill mountain ranges.

The Gangetic dolphin, or fresh water dolphin, which has been listed as a protected species as per the National Park and Wildlife Conservation Act-1993, is one of the species roaming the major rivers such as the Karnali, Narayani and Koshi and their tributaries.

Although the actual population of fresh water dolphins is yet to be ascertained, around 52 dolphins have been recorded so far across the country. The dolphin exhibits preference for areas such as small islands, sand bars, river bends and convergent tributaries, especially during the rainy season for breeding.

Majority of the Gangetic dolphins are found in the Karnali and its tributary – the Mohana River in Kailali. They usually migrate upstream of the Karnali and Mohana rivers during the monsoon from the Ganga for breeding and return to the larger river channels during the dry season.

In order to conserve the dolphin population, the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation (DNPWC) has recently developed a five-year action plan. Lack of robust information on the status and distribution of river dolphins coupled with low level of awareness among responsible agencies has been a major constraint in their conservation. The objectives of the action plan (2021- 2025) are to enhance understanding and knowledge of the conservation status, ecology and habitat dynamics of the dolphins, protect and manage the dolphin population and their habitats, strengthen and extend participatory conservation programmes and enhance cooperation and coordination in conservation at the national and international levels. Dolphins in Nepal are at risk of multiple stressors, mainly habitat fragmentation, changes in water quality and quantity, habitat modification, climate change, over-exploitation of resources, pollution and invasive species.

Similarly, construction of embankments, dams and barrages; chemical discharges from households, industries, agriculture, mining and health sector; and deforestation pose threats to the survival of dolphins.

The action plan proposes to develop robust and reliable baseline information on the population size and distribution of dolphins in Nepal. Just like the conservation efforts made by the department for the protection of the one-horned rhinos in Chitwan and Bardiya, the department can also replicate the same approach to increase the dolphin population in close cooperation with the local communities living close to the river basins where dolphins are found. Before the local communities are roped into the process, the action plan must develop reliable baseline on the population, size and distribution of dolphin in Nepal; map potential, optimal and marginal habitat; study on habitat; and regular monitoring of the dolphin population at intervals of every five years. It has also a plan to study the impact of dams and other structures while assessing the impact of pesticides and industrial waste. As dolphins are migratory species, it is better to work together with India.

Earthquake risks

Nepal is prone to powerful earthquakes, and we just endured one in 2015, which took thousands of lives and destroyed property worth billions of rupees.

Yet we Nepalis don't seem to learn lessons from such natural calamities. For both the government and the people, the 2015 quake is history now, and the country is on a building spree, with high-rises that don't meet the building code springing up everywhere.

Although one cannot predict when it will occur, a high-magnitude quake has been taking place at regular intervals of 35-40 years in the Valley, although the latest one was delayed considerably.

While we cannot prevent an earthquake, we can, however, prepare for it to mitigate its impact. For the past 24 years, Nepal has been marking Earthquake Safety Day on Magh 2 to recall the day in 1990 BS (1934 AD) that rattled the Kathmandu Valley and demolished nearly all houses and monuments. The day, however, is no more than a ritual affair, with the Prime Minister and ministers giving speeches. Were the authorities really concerned, they would not be allowing such haphazard urbanisation that usurps every piece of empty space, so necessary for people to run to in the event of a disaster.

A version of this article appears in the print on January 18, 2022, of The Himalayan Times.