Kathmandu — An investigation has been initiated against Satyanarayan Sah, Chief of the Central Zoo in Jawalakhel, on allegations that he failed to promptly inform the central office of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC) about the confirmed outbreak of Bird Flu (H5N1) and allegedly kept the matter undisclosed.
Following instructions from NTNC Chairperson and Minister for Agriculture, Forests and Environment, Gita Chaudhary, Sah has been relieved of his responsibilities as the zoo chief. The Trust has also formed a three-member investigation committee to examine the spread of Bird Flu within the zoo and determine the causes behind the deaths of various animals and birds.
The committee is headed by Rachana Shah, Chief of the Species Department, and includes Administration Chief Hari Bikram Singh and Dr. Madhu Kshetri, Chief of the Conservation Area Department, as members. The committee has been directed to submit its report within one week.
According to the Trust, Sah was transferred to the central office for allegedly failing to demonstrate adequate sensitivity regarding wildlife protection and for lapses in the communication of critical information. The Ministry stated that senior officer Babulal Tiruwa has been appointed as the acting chief of the zoo.
Laboratory testing conducted by the Department of Livestock Services confirmed the presence of Bird Flu infection among several animals and birds housed at the zoo. It was reported that birds and animals had been dying for nearly ten days before the matter came to light, yet the central office had not been informed.
Subsequent testing detected Bird Flu infection in several species, including egrets, owls, vultures, fishing cats, and clouded leopards, according to officials.
