Two Gangetic Dolphins found dead in Assam; investigation under progress

Sept.3: Two Gangetic Dolphins have been found dead at Salpara in Chamaria area under Kamrup West Division on Thursday. The Gangetic Dolphins (Platanista gangetica) measured 1.09 and 1.18 metres, respectively. The death of the dolphins under riverine range, Nagarbera was detected at around 9.25 am by local people. Dolphins are scheduled-I species under the Schedule of Animals, Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Divisional Forest Officer, Kamrup West Division, Dimpi Bora said due to the unnatural death of the dolphins, it is suspected that they may have been hunted by some miscreants which is an offence as per Section 55 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. “An offence has been registered under the Nagarbera Range Office under Kamrup West Division vide Offence Report No.NBR2/ Offence/7 of 2021-22 dated 02/09/2021,” she said.

Assistant Conservator of Forests of the Division, Uttam Basumatary was appointed as the Inquiry Officer and the seizure list was prepared as per procedure. Thereafter, the dead dolphins were brought to the State Veterinary Dispensary, Boko for post mortem. The post mortem was conducted by veterinarian, Dr.Hiranmayee Hazarika in presence of Chief Wildlife Warden, MK Yadava, Chief Conservator of Forests, Central Assam Circle, Hemakanta Talukdar, Researcher, WII, Hiyashree Sarma, Field Assistant, WII, Monoj Das and local public.

Meanwhile, the blood and organ samples were collected and sent to the State Veterinary College, Khanapara, Forensic Laboratory, Guwahati and North East Disease Digenetic Research Laboratory for ascertaining the exact cause of death. The samples were also sent to Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun for genetic analysis and toxicological studies.

DFO, Bora informed that since the carcasses of the dolphins began to decompose, the remains were buried as per procedure in presence of the authorised officer with proper documentation of the proceedings.
In a submission to the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Kamrup, the DFO said the investigation of the incident is under progress and will be placed before the court in due course of time.