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Turtles to help clean up Indian river |
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June 1, 2000
Officials in India's most populous state of Uttar Pradesh have transported turtles from the banks of another river to Lucknow, the state capital, for breeding, The Statesman reported.
They would be released into the Gomti river which passes through the state capital, the report said. The newspaper did not say how many turtles will be used.
Animal carcasses often float in the river and these flesh-eating tortoises are the best environmental-friendly option, the officials said.
In the late 1980s, the state authorities had released at least 30,000 carnivorous turtles as part of its drive to cleanse the holy Ganges River, revered by millions of Hindus. But the turtles became the target of poachers, environmentalists say.
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