Govt: Indus dolphin is state’s aquatic animal

Chandigarh, February 1

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Friday gave the nod to declare the endangered Indus river Dolphin, found only in Beas river, as Punjab state aquatic animal.

Chairing the second meeting of the State Board for Wildlife here, Capt Amarinder said Indus dolphin, a rare aquatic mammal, would be the flagship species for the conservation of the Beas eco-system. He also gave approval to declare Kanjli Wetland and holy Kali Bein as a wildlife conservation reserve to mark the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak.

He also gave permission to the wildlife department to initiate the process of importing wild animals such as zebra, giraffe and gorilla from African countries for Chhatbir to improve the animal collection. — TNS

Other decisions  

• To establish turtle hatcheries at Harike, besides releasing more gharial hatchlings in Beas
• Implementation of the Karnataka model of jungle lodges in coordination with key private players in this field
• Banning non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug aceclofenac for veterinary use to ensure vulture conservation

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