Insulate killer cables or bury them, says government

400 FLAMINGO DEATHS Insulate high tension cables or put them underground when they run close to the breeding grounds of the migratory Greater Flamingos in the Khadir region of Kutch. The state forest and environment department issued this order to the Gujarat Energy Transmission Company (Getco) on Thursday after Times of India (TOl) reported that 400 flamingos had been killed here in the past 10 days because they came in contact with the cables. Principal Secretary for forests and environment S.K.Nanda told TOl, “Getco will have to complete the work before September next year when a new batch of flamingos arrives.” He has also asked sensor forest officers to identify other such sites where the birds maybe in danger. “We will ensure the cables are laid underground at all sites used by the flamingos.” The officials have already identified an eight km stretch in Khadir where the maximum birds have been killed. TOl had reported on Thursday that the maximum number of birds may have been killed at night. They may have been startled by a passing vehicle or by the attack of a predatory bird and, in panic, flown straight into the high tension cables. On Thursday, Gujarat Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (wildlife) S K Goyal held a series of meetings with Getco officials to find ways to immediately reduce the ‘bird-hits’. Surinder Kumag Negi, Getco’s managing director said, “We are sending a team of experts to the area to find a solution.” Till the cables are put underground, Getco will cover them with reflector tape which will shine at night and hopefully keep the birds at bay. Only in June this year, a large number of Flamingoes were killed in similar fashion in Bhavnagar and had become easy fodder for stray dogs. Courtesy:- Times Of India