(IN) Delhi's dolphin dreams

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sunday special - Delhi's dolphin dreams

 

MIXED BAG Wildlife experts divided over minister's push for aquarium at Delhi

zoo ( ) The Gangetic dolphin has been declared... [the] national aquatic animal

and we will ensure that it is kept in Delhi zoo... for creating awareness among

visitors about the importance of the species.

JAIRAM RAMESH

Nivedita Khandekar nivedita.khandekar

 

 

NEW DELHI: Dolphins could make a debut at Delhi zoo. But wildlife experts aren't

overtly enthusiastic.

 

Union Minister of State for Environment and Forests Jairam Ramesh recently said

Gangetic dolphins -- the nation's aquatic animal -- would be kept at National

Zoological Park to educate visitors about the endangered species.

The species is listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act and hence

the opinion is divided over the issue of Gangetic dolphins in captivity, a first

such experiment in the country.

Zoo officials have said they would chalk out a plan if the government so

directed.

THUMBS DOWN All zoos in India need permission from regulatory body Central Zoo

Authority (CZA) before introducing any new species.

So, if and when the plan is finalised, the zoo would have to prepare a detailed

proposal after a proper study. " Once a detailed proposal reaches the CZA, it

would study the feasibility thoroughly and then only give the go ahead, " sources

said.

However, a ministry source doubted if the zoo had necessary expertise and

technical knowhow to manage a marine aquarium.

Not just ministry officials, some wildlife experts are also sceptical about the

idea.

Gautam Grover, managing trustee of Animal Saviour, an NGO, said: " Before

thinking of dolphins, Delhi zoo needs to work on its existing animals and their

enclosures. "

The animals need to be kept in as natural surroundings as possible, he said

adding the zoo " has no resources to tackle the problems of zoochosis (mental

illness caused due to stress of captivity).

THUMBS UP However, not all are opposed to the idea.

Himanshu Malhotra, wildlife filmmaker and member of the zoo's advisory committee

said: " If it wants to retain natural heritage and improve wildlife and

environment, funds should not be a problem. In fact, if the government wants,

neither infrastructure nor funds would be a problem. "

He suggested if water shortage was a problem, a dedicated pipeline could be set

up from Wazirabad to the zoo.

" But before that, it is important to...

check... how many dolphins have survived in captivity, " he said.

Ramesh was unavailable for comments.

 

 

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Dr. Sashanka

Chief Functionary - JBF(Just Be Friendly)

Co-opted Member - Animal Welfare Board of India

(Ministry of Environment & Forests)

New Delhi - India.