Forest department rescues 6-foot Gangetic dolphin from canal in northern India
by Aditi VermaA 6-foot-long Gangetic Dolphin was successfully rescued from a canal in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh by the Forest Department after it was trapped in shallow waters.
The incident took place at Ghaghra River in the Ramnagar Range in Barabanki on October 24.
Visuals showed the police and forest team carefully transported the rescued shark from the canal to the Ghaghra River. In a coordinated effort, they placed the shark into a specialized container, ensuring its safety during the journey. Upon reaching the river, they gently released the shark back into its natural habitat.
According to forest officials, they immediately sought approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow, for a rescue operation. Following directives from the Chief Conservator of Forests, Central Zone, Lucknow, and the Conservator of Forests, Saryu Circle, Ayodhya, an operations team was formed. The team, led by the Deva Range Officer and supported by Dr. Shailendra from the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA), successfully rescued the dolphin at around 12:30 PM.
After the rescue, the dolphin was safely released into the Ghaghra River in the Ramnagar Range, its natural habitat. The dolphin had been spotted in the canal for several days, with local fishermen also keeping a watch on it. Thanks to the timely response of the Forest Department, the dolphin was rescued without harm.
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