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Turtles rescued

PATNA, APRIL 5. Wildlife authorities in Bihar have rescued 78 fresh water turtles, a highly endangered species found in the Ganga, from poachers.

The turtles, many of them seriously injured, have been brought to a zoo in Patna, where doctors are working to save them. The animals, tied to each other with thin-wire ropes, which cut into their legs, were found packed in gunny bags and were almost unconscious due to suffocation.

Authorities say the turtles are essential for the ecology of the Ganga as they clean up the river and also maintain the food chain. ``There are a highly endangered species. They are protected under the Wildlife Protection Act as they are extremely important for the ecological balance of the Ganga. They eat up all the dead fish and also the bodies that are flown into the river (part of Hindu death ritual). They are very important,'' said Ranvir Singh, director of the Patna zoo.

Hindus dispose of the dead by setting bodies on fire near river banks before immersing the ash in the waters. Many half-burnt corpses can also be found floating on the rivers near cremation grounds on any given day. Despite repeated pleas and efforts by the government to discontinue the practice, it continues to be widely prevalent.

-- ANI

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