70 migratory birds found dead in Chhattisgarh

KORBA, Chhattisgarh: About 70 migratory birds, Asian openbill storks, were found dead at Kanki village in Chhattisgarh'sKorba district after heavy rains coupled with strong winds lashed the region as a result of cyclone 'Hudhud'.

"The birds were found dead and injured in the premises of Kankeshwar Dham temple in Kanki, around 15 kms away from Korba town yesterday," a senior forest official said on Wednesday.

After spotting the injured birds in critical condition Tuesday morning, villagers informed the forest officials, following which a team was rushed to the spot.

"The officials found around seventy birds dead there," he said.

Cyclonic storm on Monday night might have led to their death, the official said, adding that the autopsy report would help to ascertain the exact cause behind the incident.

Every year, over 1,000 Asian openbill storks visit the famous wetland of Kanki from Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan and other Asian countries.

In another incident in the district, an elephant calf died after it drowned in a pond in Kudmura forests division.

A herd of 20-15 elephants was taking bath in the pond in Taulipali village on Monday evening when the baby elephant reportedly got stuck in the mid of the herd and drowned, the official said.

Investigation into both the incidents is on, he added.