On November 10, 2019, tourists visiting Sambhar lake in Rajasthan's Jaipur district, made a grisly discovery. Thousands of dead birds like this black winged stilt. Photo by Vikas Choudhary
Sambhar, India's largest inland saltwater lake is an important wetland and Ramsar site in Northern India. It plays host to various birds, both local and migratory. However, the tourists found large numbers of dead birds on that day, like this ruddy shelduck. Photo by Vikas Choudhary
The reasons behind the deaths of the birds are still a mystery. The viscera of a number of birds have been sent to laboratories in Bhopal and Ludhiana. The results of the tests are awaited. Photo by Vikas Choudhary
Many media reports have speculated that the birds might have died due to toxicity in the area. Some kind of avian disease too is being suspected. A clearer picture will emerge only when the lab test reports are out. Photo by Vikas Choudhary
This photographer was one of the first journalists on the scene. Over 2,300 dead birds have been buried in mass graves in the area, he says. But the death toll is expected to cross 8,000, according to him. Photo by Vikas Choudhary
At least 20-25 birds have also been found alive but in a critical condition like this plover. They are being attended to by the forest department. Photo by Vikas Choudhary
