Killing of Ganges River Dolphins upsets Jairam Ramesh

PATNA - The killing of Ganges river dolphins in Bihar by suspected poachers has upset Environment and Forests Minister Jairam Ramesh, who has directed the state government to take adequate measures to protect the endangered species.

Four Ganges dolphins were Thursday killed by suspected poachers on the banks of the river here. An autopsy revealed that the dolphins were trapped and beaten to death as they bore several marks on their necks and heads.

The minister has asked for a detailed report about the killing of the dolphins, R.K. Sinha, an expert on Ganga dolphins, who is also chairman of the working group of dolphin conservation, told IANS Saturday.

“Ramesh also asked for the state government’s plan of action for the protection of the dolphins,” he said.