Bacterial infection kills 31 blackbucks at zoo in Karnataka, Minister orders probe
Belagavi (PTI): Thirty-one blackbucks have died at a zoo here in just four days due to a bacterial infection, Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre said on Monday.
The devastating toll, which reduced Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo's blackbuck population to seven, has prompted a high-level investigation from the government.
According to sources at the zoo, eight antelopes died on Thursday, followed by 20 more deaths on Saturday.
Three more blackbucks died at the facility in the last two days.
Minister Khandre reached Belagavi and held a meeting with the zoo officials.
Later speaking to reporters, Khandre expressed "deep pain" over the deaths and ordered an inquiry to determine the source and spread of the disease among the animals.
“Prima facie, it is found that these blackbucks died due to bacterial infection. Our officers and veterinary doctors are giving treatment to them,” he said.
The Minister said all precautionary measures are being taken to ensure that the disease does not spread to other zoos.
“I have ordered a high-level probe to find out how this disease spread among blackbucks. We have sent experts from Bannerghatta Biological Park in Bengaluru. Our officials are in touch with experts in this field,” Khandre said.
Noting that he has given directions to save the remaining blackbucks, he said he has ordered that such incidents should not occur in future.
Comparing the outbreak of bacterial infection among blackbucks to COVID-19, the Minister said no one can predict such occurrences.
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India moving towards becoming global economic powerhouse: Kovind
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Amritsar (PTI): Former president Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said that with digital transformation, economic reforms and a strong focus on the ease of doing business, India is moving towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.
He was speaking after inaugurating the 19th edition of the Punjab International Trade Expo (PITEX) in Amritsar.
The former president said that this 19th edition of PITEX is being organised at a time when India is recognised as one of the fastest-growing large economies in the world.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the event organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PHDCCI) the former president, while referring to Punjab, said the state is a living example of courage, sacrifice and enterprise.
"The spiritual light of Sri Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) inspires peace and humanity across the world. The heritage of Punjab is deep and inspiring," Kovind said, according to a statement issued by the PITEX.
The former president congratulated the PHDCCI for hosting the 19th edition of PITEX and suggested that the chamber should expand PITEX outside Punjab.
He proposed that a similar event should also be held in New Delhi.
