Those suprises of River Teesta

An article published on the website of the National Informatics Centre, Sikkim under the topic of Mammals of Sikkim in 2009 mentioned the possibility of Gangetic Dolphin at the river belt of Singtam – Rangpo. The report read - Distribution in Sikkim: May exist at Singtam, Rangpo and Melli (the confluence of Teesta and Rangeet). Size: Generally 2 m in length. 

Gangetic Dolphin will not exactly be out of its range if is found to exist in our state. It is a creature found in the Ganges, the Brahmaputra and their larger tributaries to the bases of the hills. Their migratory behaviour, however, makes their presence possible here, particularly during the summer months. 

I do not exactly know the further development of that suggested research but the river Teesta does surprises you with its secrets deep within. Since the construction of dams in neighbouring states those fishes that used to migrate for freshwater to lay their eggs are no more to be found. 

I do remember three separate occasions when life forms recovered along the river belt of Singtam had made me think twice of nature’s wonders.  

2008 – A 30kg fish most probably Golden Masheer was recovered from the bank of River Teesta near Golitar.

2010 – An Indian mottled eel locally known as Raj Bam weighing around 7 kg and four feet long was recovered from the riverbank near Golitar. The local people had then reported they had never seen the species before.

2014 – A dead python 12 feet long and 1.6 m in circumference was recovered from the banks of River Teesta near ATTC College, Burdang. It was later identified as Burmese python (Python bivittatus).