Panic grips Pong Lake shores in Kangra as dead foreign migratory birds surface repeatedly on wildlife department land, raising fears of bird flu resurgence or deliberate poisoning. Just two-three years ago, avian flu wiped out flocks here; now locals question if history repeats or if toxic pesticides in banned crops are to blame.
Environmentalists slam the wildlife department for sleeping on duty amid rampant illegal farming on protected land, providing cover for hunters. Recent cow deaths from explosive jaw injuries fuel suspicions of similar tactics targeting birds, alongside poisoned fields and snares like jandriyan traps.
Past incidents saw feather piles dismissed as jackal kills, but activists insist systematic poaching persists unchecked. Despite record 1.53 lakh birds counted in February 2025’s census, current deaths threaten this vital wetland sanctuary.
Demand grows for urgent probes, post-mortems, and stricter patrols to protect these international visitors.
