Officials in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand state have launched a probe over fears parents have been having sex-selective abortions.
India outlawed sex-selective abortion in 1994, but it's still common practice to terminate female fetuses as they are seen as a financial burden, with families often needing to provide money for costly dowries, despite the fact they were outlawed in 1961.
Baby boys are favoured as they are seen as the main breadwinner and the birth of a son is seen as a cause for celebration and family pride.
Ashish Chauhan, Uttarkashi's district magistrate, said the rate was 'suspicious and has highlighted female foeticide' according to the ANI news agency.
'We have identified areas where the number of girl childbirth is zero or in single-digit numbers.
'We are monitoring these areas to find out what is affecting the ratio. A detailed survey and study will be conducted to identify the reason behind it' he added.
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