Thousands of migratory birds found dead near Rajasthan's Sambhar Lake

Jaipur: Thousands of migratory birds of about ten species were found dead around Sambhar Lake, the country’s largest inland saltwater lake near Jaipur, sending shock waves among locals and authorities. Officials said they suspect water contamination as one of the reasons for the deaths but were awaiting viscera test reports. Though the official toll was 1,500, locals claimed the number of dead birds could be as high as 5,000.

Sambhar Lake is India’s largest inland salt lake. It is a recognised wetland of international importance and hosts thousands of migratory birds during winters. The dead birds included plovers, common coots, black winged stilts, northern shovelers, ruddy shelducks and pied avocets. The carcasses of 669 birds were buried in a ditch, while many still lay strewn around, reported PTI.

A medical team from Jaipur has collected a few carcasses, while water samples are being sent to a laboratory in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, for further examination.

Veterinary doctor Ashok Rao ruled out the possibility of bird flu. “At initial examination we did not find any sort of secretion from the birds, which is a giveaway in the cases of bird flu,” he said.

Ashok Sharma, the joint director of the State Disease Diagnostic Centre, said steps will be taken once the reason was ascertained. “We don’t think it is a case of infection, but if it turns out to be the case we will take further steps to make sure it doesn’t spread,” he added.

This is the second such incident in the state within a week. On November 7, as many as 37 demoiselle cranes were found dead in Jodhpur’s Khinchan area. Their viscera reports are also awaited.