GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE RAJYA SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1013
TO BE ANSWERED ON 13.02.2025
Threats to migratory birds
1013. SHRI RAVI CHANDRA VADDIRAJU:

Will the Minister of ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Ministry has investigated the recent outbreaks of H5N1 bird flu among migratory birds in Jaisalmer and their potential impact on local biodiversity and if so, the details of the findings and measures taken; and (

b) whether the Ministry has developed a comprehensive action plan to protect migratory birds from both physical threats like power lines and biological threats like avian influenza and if so, the timeline and key components of the plan?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)

(a) The National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) of Indian Council of Agricultural Research confirmed the presence of the H5N1 Avian Influenza Virus on 14th January 2025 in samples of Demoiselle Crane submitted by the Deputy Director, Regional Disease Diagnostic Centre, Jodhpur. The important measures taken to prevent the spread of bird flu are as follows: i.

The surveillance in the infected zone has been increased and the dead birds are disposed of as per the protocol. ii. Directions have been issued to the local field functionaries at various level for taking necessary mitigative measure to control the mortality and disposal and rescue of birds as per the relevant protocol and precautions.

iii. Survey has been conducted at various local water bodies including the major ponds and disinfectants were sprayed as precautionary steps to prevent further spread of infection from bird droppings. iv. District level control room has been fully functional and teams of forest department have been stationed at various places.

v. Awareness has been raised in local people to restrict the movement in infected zone.

vi. Tourists have been dissuaded from approaching the ponds for bird watching and other eco-tourism activities in the area. (b) An Action Plan for Prevention, Control & Containment of Avian Influenza has been issued by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy Department, Government of India which provides precautionary guidelines against the biological threats like avian influenza to the migratory birds. As regards migratory/wild birds, the Animal Husbandry Departments of the States/UTs carry out surveillance along with State Forest Departments. The Ministry has made submission of animal passage plan prepared by the User Agency in consultation with the Chief Wild Life Warden mandatory for seeking recommendations of the Standing Committee of the National Board for Wild Life under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 in case of linear infrastructure project, including power lines proposals.