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| Corpses in Ganga may infect dolphins, gharials, warn scientists |
| Correspondent
: TNN |
| DEHRADUN: Scientists at Doon-based Wildlife Institute of India have expressed fears regarding the Gangetic river dolphins (Platanista gangetica) and gharials (Gavaialis gangeticus) in the Ganga being infected by Covid-19 mainly by the corpses of those who died due to the disease. The scientists’ fears are compounded by the fact that Bihar and Uttar Pradesh – where infected corpses were found floating in the river recently – is a major stretch of the Ganga where Gangetic Dolphins and gharials and various other aquatic mammals are found. The 2,525-km-long Ganga which starts from Gaumukh in Uttarakhand and passes through at least 11 states of India is the only habitat of these two mammals. There are over 1,000 gharials and around 2,500-3,000 Gangetic Dolphins in the river.
According to scientists, gharial and Gangetic Dolphin are both quite vulnerable as they breathe through lungs unlike other smaller fishes which breathe through gills. Also, they are categorised as ‘Critically Endangered’ and ‘Endangered’ respectively by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Both the species are also tagged under Schedule I of the Indian Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. The scientists’ concerns come in the wake of a few other wild animals like lions and tigers having been infected by Covid-19 recently.
Speaking to TOI, K Sivakumar, senior scientist, WII, said, “Since lions are mammals and they were found infected, aquatic mammals like Gangetic Dolphins and ghariyals are also susceptible. We are really worried about the threat as the government has spent a lot of money in the conservation of these species.”
Another senior scientist, Qamar Qureshi added that there is an urgent need to formulate a robust strategy for proper disposal of corpses so that effect on the environment is minimised. “Robust monitoring should be done so that corpses are not disposed in the river. Besides impacting aquatic life, it also impacts the health of people living near the rivers. Proper disposal is also essential as a mark of respect towards the dead.” |
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| SOURCE
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https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/floating-corpses-in-ganga-may-infect-gangetic-dolphins-gharials-say-scientists-at-wildlife-institute-of-india-raise-alarm/articleshowprint/82688931.cms |
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