Latest news with #VikasYadav
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Bird flu: Gkp zoo to remain shut till further notice
The outbreak of avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) has dealt a severe economic blow to the Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur which, according to officials, will remain closed till further notice. Earlier, the zoo was closed to the public in three separate spells from May 13 to June 10. Zoo director Vikas Yadav confirmed the temporary closure, stating that strict biosecurity measures have been implemented as per the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) guidelines to prevent any further spread of the virus. 'We are taking precautions to protect the animals from infection. Until we receive clearance, the zoo will remain closed to visitors,' he said. According to deputy director Yogesh Pratap Singh, all infected animals and birds are currently stable and under treatment. However, the zoo will only reopen after three consecutive negative reports are received from the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal. The 3.5-acre zoo, facing its first major crisis since the confirmation of the H5 strain of avian flu in a deceased tigress on May 13, has been a popular tourist attraction, especially for residents of the Gorakhpur and Basti divisions. Its closure over the past month has caused a considerable economic downturn. Noting that the zoo typically welcomes around 2,000 visitors -- mostly schoolchildren and wildlife enthusiasts -- daily, Yadav said it has suffered revenue losses estimated at ₹30 to ₹35 lakh due to the closure so far. The last set of samples from five infected animals, including two leopard cubs and a vulture, was sent for testing on May 23, and their results are still awaited. In addition, the second batch of samples from 35 other animals has also been sent to NIHSAD, with results pending, officials said. Officials have identified migratory birds and ducks in the nearby Ramgarh Lake, just 3km from the zoo, as the primary source of the avian flu strain.
Hindustan Times
3 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Ducks primary source of bird flu outbreak at Gkp zoo: CZA
Migratory ducks were the primary source of the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 (bird flu) outbreak at the Shaheed Ashfaqullah Khan Zoological Park in Gorakhpur recently, the Central Zoo Authority (CZA) probe committee has disclosed in its report. The report also identified crows as key contributors to the spread of the virus, which led to the deaths of three big cats. The district authorities received the report on Saturday evening. Zoo director Vikas Yadav confirmed, 'The investigation report, along with precautionary instructions, has been received.' The zoo will now focus on protecting animals from migratory birds, enhancing biosafety measures, and conducting regular health screenings. The outbreak claimed the lives of a tiger Kesri on March 30, a tigress Shakti on May 7 and a leopard Mona on May 8. After confirmation of the virus by the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD), Bhopal, the zoo was closed to the public in three separate spells from May 13 to June 10. This closure may be extended further depending on upcoming lab results, officials indicated. According to the report, the origin of the bird flu strain points to migratory ducks at Ramgarh Lake, about three kilometres from the zoo. Ducks are known reservoir hosts for the influenza virus and often do not display symptoms despite being infected. After a hailstorm on May 1, several dead ducks were found near Ramgarh Lake, but they allegedly went unnoticed by officials. The CZA conducted an inspection of the zoo on May 19 and 20, collecting samples from both inside and outside the zoo premises. Each year, thousands of migratory birds flock to Ramgarh Lake, drawing tourists and bird watchers. The CZA report emphasizes the need to address the risk of infectious diseases. The report has recommended regular disinfection of the area, restriction of public access during outbreaks, and enhanced coordination between the forest, health, and municipal departments to prevent recurrence. Zoo director Yadav also stated that five infected animals — two leopard cubs, a cockatiel, and a vulture — are undergoing treatment and showing signs of improvement. However, sample examination reports of these animals sent to NIHSAD are still awaited. Additionally, the second negative reports for 35 other samples are also pending.
Time of India
27-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
DHBVN told to pay compensation for 3-month delay in power connection in Gurgaon
Gurgaon: Haryana Right to Service Commission (HRTSC) has ordered Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam (DHBVN) to pay Rs 5,000 as compensation to a consumer for "undue mental harassment" caused by delays in granting an electricity connection. Initially, this amount will be paid by the South Haryana Electricity Distribution Corporation from its funds and can later be recovered from the responsible officials after an internal investigation. An HRTSC spokesperson said the inquiry revealed that city resident Bharat Yadav suffered "unwarranted mental distress without any fault of his own" and held the power utility accountable. HRTSC expressed disapproval of the conduct of executive engineer Vikas Yadav, who acted as the first-level grievance redressal authority and failed to attend the hearing twice. It advised him to be cautious in the future and recorded his name in the database for monitoring his performance. You Can Also Check: Gurgaon AQI | Weather in Gurgaon | Bank Holidays in Gurgaon | Public Holidays in Gurgaon Yadav applied for a two-kilowatt domestic electricity connection on Jan 1. Despite his repeated visits to departmental offices, no clear reason was provided for the delay, he had said in his complaint. Eventually, the no objection certificate (NOC) was issued on March 26, 2025 — nearly three months later. Throughout this period, neither was his application rejected, nor was any communication provided, causing him unnecessary stress. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Regain confidence with WAYT-less®. This Rapid Dissolve Tablet could support your weight loss. Nu Image Medical Shop Now Undo It was found that a letter sent to the builder on Dec 24, 2024 clearly said the approval to change the single-point connection to multi-point had been granted by the corporation's full-time directors on May 30, 2024. Despite this, the process was unnecessarily halted by the corporation's officials under the pretext of "electrification plan" approval. The commission clarified that such plans are only submitted by colonisers or other govt agencies, not by DHBVN itself when connections are issued directly by the corporation. The investigation also found that the corporation had already purchased about 4,000 meters, indicating the intention to issue connections before the electrification plan approval. The commission noted if approximately 39 similar connections could be issued without plan approval, the complainant should not have been deprived of this facility. The commission deemed this entire incident as a violation of consumer rights and a clear case of negligence in service, approving a compensation of Rs 5,000 under Section 17(1)(H) of the Haryana Right to Service Act, 2014.
