In a horrific incident, thousands of migratory birds of about ten species were found dead yesterday around Sambhar Lake, the largest inland saltwater lake situated at about 80km from the state capital Jaipur. This is the second incident after 31 Demoiselle cranes were found dead at Vijay Sagar Lake near Alwar on Thursday.
According to state officials, the toll in the latest incident stands at 1500, while the locals in an interview to the PTI put the figure at 5000. Though the exact reason for the deaths is still under investigation, veterinarians suspect water contamination or algae poisoning. However, viscera samples have been sent to the forensic science laboratory in Bhopal to find the right cause for the deaths.
Meanwhile, the officials collected the carcasses in a tractor-trolley and buried them in a ditch. A total of 669 dead birds have been buried, while the rest still are strewn around.
These winged visitors fly thousands of miles to Sambhar Lake to escape the winter chill in colder places. The above-normal monsoon rains have also helped the lake attract thousands of migratory birds this year.
Image Credit: The Hindu
Any information picked up from here has to be attributed to Skymet Weather
