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Poisoned weeds behind blackbuck deaths in Agra

NAT33National/WildLifePoisoned weeds behind blackbuck deaths in AgraLucknow, Oct 8 IANS As many as 25 blackbucks have died in Uttar Pradesh's Agra district in the last one month. Officials Wednesday said weeds poisoned due to use of excessive chamicals in farming were the reason behind their death.The Indian Veterinary Research Institute in Bareilly attributed the deaths to weeds containing excess nitrates and nitrites, forest department officials said. Excess nitrates and nitrites are the result of using excessive chemicals in farming.In the past 40 days, 25 blackbucks have died in parks situated in the premises of Mughal emperor Akbar's tomb."As the area comes under the jurisdiction of the Archaeological Survey of India ASI, we have asked ASI officials to remove the poisonous weeds," said District Forest Officer N.K. Janu.After the deaths, the number of blackbucks in the area have gone down to 135 from 175, he added.Blackbucks are protected under schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and are considered endangered animals. --Indo-Asian News Serviceasit/mv/jg181 Words08101628