Indian state bans dolphin hunting

    Gangetic dolphin, a highly endangered species, was declared National Aquatic Animal at the meeting of National Ganga River Basic Authority in New Delhi on Monday.

   Schools have been told to take steps to create awareness among the students about the Gangetic dolphin which would boost eco-tourism in the region.

    Nitish had proposed naming dolphins national aquatic animal at the meeting which was approved by the National Ganga River Basic Authority.

    Kumar said since tigers were a symbol of ecosystem in forests, the presence of river dolphin in a river system too signifies a healthy aquatic life in fresh waters of rivers.

    Facing grave threats due to excessive pollution in Ganga and poaching, there are less than 2,000 dolphins left in the country.

     Gangetic dolphin is an endemic species of the Ganga, Brahmaputra and Meghna river systems, extending from the foot of the Himalayas to the tidal zone in India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Bihar; Kazinform cites Xinhua. See www.news.xinhuanet.com for full version.