Carbofuran, Phorate linked to death of five tigers in MM Hills: FSL report
Bengaluru: A recent report by the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) has confirmed the presence of high levels of two toxic pesticides, Carbofuran and Phorate, in the digestive systems of a tigress and her four cubs found dead in the Hoogyam Range of the Malai Mahadeshwara Hills Wildlife Sanctuary (MM Hills) last month.
The report, as cited by The New Indian Express on Thursday, showed the presence of 20 micrograms of pesticide in one tissue sample of the dead carnivores. Veterinarians and experts stated that these chemicals were used in large quantities to kill them. Notably, Phorate is banned by the Central Government, while the use of Carbofuran has been regulated.
Sources from FLS quoted by TNIE mentioned that Carbofuran, being colourless, odourless, and tasteless, is often misused for intentional poisoning and even a small quantity can kill an animal in couple of hours. “Though it has been found for the first time in Karnataka, it was used to kill tigers in Jim Corbett, Ooty and Madhya Pradesh. Organo Phosphorus Compound was used to poison the leopard two years ago in Karnataka. However, the chemical analysis reports of the tiger poisoning case in Nagarhole Tiger Reserve were not clear as the carcass was over 7-10 days old,” they added.
According to veterinarians involved in the investigation, more than 500 chemical compounds were screened before confirming the presence of Carbofuran and Phorate. They also reported that the tigers’ digestive systems contained only meat from the dead carcass, leading authorities to begin testing agricultural produce from surrounding areas in MM Hills and Chamarajanagara for contamination.
Officials have expressed concern over the incident, stating that poisoning cases of this scale are rare and worrisome. “The government needs to look into the chemicals, pesticides and insecticides the farmers are using,” TNIE quoted a forest department official as saying.
Meanwhile, a senior official from the agriculture department acknowledged the gravity of the situation but noted the difficulty in monitoring the exact quantities of pesticide being purchased and used by farmers. “But this is a grave concern, and it will be checked as all pesticides are sold through authorised dealers only,” the official added.
Forest, environment and ecology minister Eshwar B. Khandre said that if banned and regulated substances have been used, action will be taken against the people.
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MYAS launches quiz on national flag, 25 top-scorers to get trip to Siachen with Mandaviya
New Delhi, Aug 7 (PTI): The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has launched an online quiz on the national flag and 25 top-scoring participants in the age bracket of 21 to 29 will get an opportunity to visit Siachen with Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya.
The quiz, according to the ministry, will "foster patriotism and enhance awareness about the Indian National Flag."
"This online quiz, hosted on the MYBharat portal (mybharat.gov.in), invites all citizen to participate and test their knowledge about the Tricolour," the ministry stated.
It will consist of multiple-choice questions and all contestants will be awarded an e-certificate.
"As a grand incentive, 25 top-scoring participants will be selected for a remarkable opportunity to visit Siachen in the company of the Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya," the ministry said.
"The selection of winners for the Siachen visit will be limited to youth between the ages of 21 and 29. The final selection of the 25 winners will be conducted through a computer-based lottery system from the pool of top scorers," it added.
