Birds at Chilika Lake
Carcasses of hundreds of migratory birds have been floating over last two days in Chilika lake under local tehsil area in Puri district, according to a report.
Surprisingly, wildlife officials have no knowledge about the development even as nearby villagers are on a collection spree of dead birds for consumption purpose. Some people are even selling these birds to some restaurant owners at Satapada, it was learnt.
A large number of birds flock to Chilika, Asia's largest brackish water lake, flying across thousands of miles during November. A special department has also been formed to ensure the safety of birds who stay here till February.
Though a number of squads have been formed for their protection, ignorance of the department is baffling over the massive death of the winged guests.It is suspected that the birds are dying after suffering from bird flu in the region.
According to reports, nearly three lakh feathered guests have come to Chilika lake this year which is spread across three districts - Ganjam, Puri and Khurda. It is feared that none of the visitors would survive unless the concerned department diagnoses the reason of death after collecting the samples. The carcasses were spotted near Tichhini, Gurubai, Sipia, Nuapada villages, locals said.