Avian flu threat: Haryana bans visitors from bird sites

CHANDIGARH: After massive culling of birds by Haryana's animal husbandry department in Hisar area, following samples of birds found dead in a local lake testing positive for avian influenza, the wildlife department has put a complete ban on visitors' exposure to migratory birds in the state. Earlier, there was only an advisory not to visit such areas, but orders issued on Friday have put a complete ban as a precautionary measure.

Haryana is considered a winter home for thousands of migratory birds, and the Sultanpur National Park in Gurgaon district has traditionally been an avian haven. Besides Sultanpur, Bhindawas in Jhajjar, Kalesar in Yamunanagar, and the wetland along the Yamuna river is a natural habitat for migratory birds. Confirming the development, Amrinder Kaur, principal chief conservator of forests, Haryana, said the decision was taken after receiving information from the state veterinary department, and necessary instructions have been issued by the state wildlife department.

Giving further details, Haryana's chief wildlife warden PP Bhojvaid said though they had issued an advisory earlier also for visitors to avoid visiting bird sanctuaries after the death of birds at Delhi zoo last month, now it has been decided to keep visitors completely away in view of the Hisar incident. He also confirmed that wildlife officials have been directed to keep a close watch on migratory birds at various parks, sanctuaries, or water bodies in the state. The chief wildlife warden also confirmed that around 10-15,000 migratory birds have already arrived at Sultanpur National Park, which is largely visited by bird watchers.