In 2000, the habitat of the Indus River dolphin began to shrink significantly due to the construction of dams and increasing pollution in Pakistan and India. This decline in habitat has had dire consequences for the species, which is already considered endangered. The situation underscores the urgent need for conservation efforts and highlights the broader environmental challenges facing freshwater ecosystems in the region.

The habitat shrinkage of the Indus River dolphin in 2000 has echoed in South Asian river poetry, highlighting the sacredness of water under siege. Poets have drawn on the dolphin's plight to explore themes of environmental degradation and cultural heritage, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and spirituality.