Did Bandra-Worli Sea Link cause this dolphin's death?

Residents from Dadar Chowpatty say it hit the pillars and died, but fishermen doubt it

"These dolphins are dying because of the Bandra-Worli Sea link," said Shrikant Bhoite, a resident of Shivaji Park last night, as he and others stood over the carcass of a dolphin that had washed ashore at the Dadar Chowpatty.



According to the residents, the beach has witnessed not less than four such cases last year, of dolphin and tortoise deaths. This was the first incident this year. "Since last year these fish [dolphins are actually mammals] wash ashore.
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Such incidents have started taking place only after the pillars of the Bandra-Worli Sea link came up. We believe they hit the pillars and injure themselves," said Bhoite.

The carcass was spotted at 10 pm and had injuries on its nose. Going by the condition of the carcass, the dolphin had died a few days ago. Cops from the Shivaji Park police station who later came to the beach because of the increasing number of onlookers confirmed the rise in dolphin deaths.

However, Vijay Worlikar of the National Fishermen Association of Maharashtra does not agree with the residents. "The pillars of the sea link cannot be the reason for their deaths. I don't have a specific answer to why they have been dying, but these incidents have been happening since I was a child."

The carcass was later carted away by the BMC.

Did you know...

Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. There are almost 40 species of dolphin and vary in size from 4 ft and 40 kg up to 30 ft and 10 tonnes. They are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves, and eat mostly fish and squid.

Dolphins are considered to be amongst the most intelligent of animals and their often friendly appearance and seemingly playful attitude have made them popular.