Bird conservation in Sambhar Lake must be safeguarded, says Rajasthan official
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fter over 40 migratory birds, belonging to two to three different species, were found dead in and around Rajasthan's Sambhar Lake, Jaipur District Collector held a meeting to discuss possible efforts for protecting birds who travel from across the world to visit the lake.
Jaipur District Collector directed the officials to ensure every possible effort for the care and protection of the birds coming to Sambhar Lake and the area around the lake. He instructed the municipal officials to maintain the cleanliness system in the lake area and the surrounding region, take immediate action on the drainage of dirty water in the lake area, and address the use of single-use plastic. Furthermore, he directed the Sub-Divisional Officer, Sambhar, to start the rescue work in coordination with all departments, promote tourism in the Sambhar area, encourage bird lovers, and seek their cooperation in the rescue efforts. The officials of the Animal Husbandry Department were instructed to issue guidelines for the disposal of dead birds and to provide training as needed to personnel posted in the lake area regarding the disposal of dead birds and treatment of injured birds. The officials of Sambhar Salt Limited were instructed to provide maximum resources for the rescue operation, while Forest Department officials were directed to begin the rescue work of birds and operate a temporary rescue center. The District Collector has appointed the District Forest Officer as the nodal officer in charge of bird conservation in Sambhar Lake and has also directed district-level officers to inspect the lake and surrounding areas once a week, with local officers conducting daily inspections. During the meeting, the Deputy Forest Conservator, Additional District Collector, and officials from various departments, including the Forest Department, Urban Bodies Department, Sambhar Salt Limited, Pollution Control Board, and Animal Husbandry Department, were present. Initial examinations suggest that the birds may have succumbed to avian botulism, a severe neuromuscular illness caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which thrives in low-oxygen environments. In 2019, more than 18,000 migratory birds from 13 to 15 species perished in the same region due to botulism. Sambhar Salt Lake is located 80 km southwest of the city of Jaipur and is India's largest inland salt lake. It is a recognized wetland of international importance and serves as a key wintering area for tens of thousands of birds.
✔️ Bird conservation in Sambhar Lake must be safeguarded, says Rajasthan official
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