Bird Flu scare: Four parks in Delhi closed for public

Hauz Khas Park, Dwarka Sector 9 Park, Hastsal Park and Sanjay Lake have been closed, a Delhi government official said.

Earlier, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday announced a ban on the import of live birds in Delhi, along with shutting down the Ghazipur poultry market in the wake of avian bird flu outbreak across the country.

Mr Kejriwal also said a 24-hour helpline has been set up for the assistance of the people.

He said the Delhi government has collected 104 samples till now and they have been sent to Jalandhar to be tested in a laboratory.

The CM said no confirmed case of bird flu has been registered in the national capital until now and Delhi government is taking all measures to stop the spread of bird flu.

Addressing a digital press conference here, Mr Kejriwal said, "In the last few days, there have been several cases of bird flu across various parts of the country, which is a cause of worry. Cases of bird flu have been registered in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh and Rajasthan."

"No confirmed case of bird flu has been registered in Delhi until now. We have collected around 104 samples until now, which have been sent to Jalandhar for testing and examination in a laboratory. Upon receiving the results day after tomorrow, the Delhi government will take all decisions and measures based on the results."

"The Delhi government is following all guidelines and directions issued by the Central government with regards to the bird flu. Rapid response teams have been formed in every district to contain the spread and conduct proper surveillance, and they will function under the DMs. Our veterinary officers are conducting proper surveys in all bird markets, wildlife establishments and water bodies across Delhi. The special focus of the teams are Poultry Market, Ghazipur, Shakti Sthal Lake, Bhalswa Lake, Sanjay Lake, Delhi Zoo, DDA Parks, situated at Hauz Khas village, Pashchim Vihar and Dwarka," he said.

A 24×7 helpline - 23890318 - has also been launched. News of birds dying is also coming from across Delhi, and the rapid response teams of those districts are conducting adequate inspection of the situation, he added.

"As a precautionary measure, Delhi is taking several steps to control the spread of bird flu. The import of live birds is being completely banned from today onwards. Second, the Ghazipur poultry market in Delhi will remain shut for the next 10 days. Along with this, adequate measures will be taken based on the results received from the lab on Monday," Mr Kejriwal said.