KOLKATA, March 18: With the Lok Sabha poll less than 60 days away, the officials of the state animal resources development department (ARD) are spending sleepless nights to arrest the rapid spread of Bird Flu in the Darjeeling Hills.
Officials feel that the since poll preparations have already started, it would be difficult for them to carry out measures in case the disease spreads further in the area.
Meanwhile, affected villagers refused to accept the allotted compensation and demanded higher pries for culled birds. Thus, the officials apprehend that carrying out culling operations would be a trouble as well. “Till now, four blocks in Darjeeling district~ Matigara, Rangli Rangliot, Kurseong and Mirik~ have been hit by the Bird Flu virus. Villagers of Matigara have accepted the compensation against the culled birds. But villagers of three other blocks have refused to accept compensation after culling of poultry birds,” said an official.
Senior ARD officials said the Hills would be in an heated state during the election. At that time, it would be tough for the department to carry out culling and disinfecting operation. This apart, an official said as the polls were approaching nearer, they were already having trouble in carrying out surveillance of poultry birds in the Hills.
“The issue is serious as the spread of the virus has to be stopped at the earliest in the Hills. If it spreads to more areas, it would be tough to get a grip of the situation due to the tough geographical terrain,” said another official. However, officials said they were laying stress on disinfecting operation in areas from where the disease has already been reported. n SNS
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