With spike in bird flu cases, CM Rupani urges caution in Gujarat’s Karuna Abhiyan
Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani said, “More than 50,000 birds and animals have been saved under Karuna Abhiyan till date. I congratulate the Forest Department, NGOs and all other organisations who are actively involved in saving the lives of innocent animals.”
New Delhi: Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani interacted with the officials of Department of Forest and Animal Husbandry to provide necessary suggestions and inputs for Karuna Abhiyan-2021.
The Chief Minister also inspected the medical care and treatments at the Animal Welfare Centre, which is governed by the Department of Forest. In addition to that, he had a conversation with the heads of NGOs and voluntary organisations who are a part of Karuna Abhiyan this year.
The Chief Minister made it clear that the Chinese manjhas are banned. The state government is conducting strict surveillance to ensure its implementation. All those found using or selling them will face severe punishments.
Giving details about Karuna Abhiyan, Mr. Rupani said, “More than 50 thousand birds and animals have been saved under the Karuna Abhiyan till date. I congratulate the Forest Department, NGOs and all other organisations who are actively involved in saving the lives of innocent animals. Karuna Abhiyan is yet another step towards a safe and secure Gujarat.”
The Chief Minister urged everyone involved in the Karuna Abhiyan to follow and implement the SOPs issued by the state government in the wake of COVID-19 crisis and bird flu. He advised the officials to take utmost care to prevent the spread of bird flu and ensure that it does not spread to other birds and animals.
The Department of Animal Husbandry has made necessary arrangements for providing necessary medical care to the birds and animals during Uttarayan. This includes ICU, ambulance, and a dedicated 1962 Animal Helpline.
ACS of Forest Department Dr. Rajiv Gupta said, “Karuna Abhiyan is a sensitive initiative taken by the state government under the guidance of Chief Minister Mr. Vijay Rupani. A large number of birds and animals have been saved under this. This year, more than 250 voluntary organisations have taken part to support the state government in this noble cause.”
Dr. Gupta insisted that people involved in rescuing and treating injured birds must use a PPE kit. Around 20,000 PPE kits have been distributed free of cost. 421 healthcare centres, 71 mobile vans, 37 Karuna Animal Ambulances and 529 veterinarians in addition to officials and volunteers are a part of the Karuna Abhiyan this year.