The Wildlife wing of Haryana Forest department has taken extra measures for animals and birds to make them feel at ease during the ongoing winter season. With winter hitting in full force, the management of zoos are using scientific techniques to keep enclosures of birds and animals warm. The instructions have been given to use a combination of facilities, technical staff and supplements for this, said the department of forests (wildlife) officials.
ML Rajvanshi, Haryana chief conservator of forests (wildlife) told The Pioneer that several methods are being used to keep animals, birds and reptiles comfortable in the harsh winter. Four zoos in the State have been established to conserve rare fauna, make the general public aware of wildlife and facilitate research on wildlife behavior and disease management. Every year, special seasonal care and support is provided to animals for their better upkeep, he said, adding that those staff involved in dealing with animals and birds in Zoos are kept on highest alert. Apart from the physiological needs of the animals, dietary supplements are also being provided to the animals with inclusion of multivitamins and multiminerals in the diet for increasing their immunity.
In case of birds, all the cages have been covered with fibre cloths, jute mat and polythene sheets tightly to save them from wind chill and winter rain. Paddy straw and wheat husk bedding have been provided to all the birds for warm nesting. For herbivore animals, temporary shelters and huts made from kanna (secrem-munja), wooden logs and bamboo are created with the help of binding wire and ropes. These facilities are water-proof.
When contacted, Devendra Hooda, an Inspector, Department of Forests (Wildlife) Rohtak said that using a combination of facilities like trained technical staff, food supplements and special manpower to look after hygiene and cleaning of enclosures, special enclosures have been designed to discourage winter winds. Materials have been used to keep the enclosures warm and give natural glazing against the cold.
Hooda further said that room heaters and heat convectors provided in night shelters of tigers, leopards, lions and other cats. All windows and openings have been covered with polythene or fiber sheets and sacrum grass thatch. Special temperature control arrangements have been made for old and young animals.
Temporary shelters/huts have been made using kanna (sacrum-munja) thatch, wooden logs and bamboo with the help of binding wire and ropes. Waterproof arrangements (black tarpaulin fixed on the roof) have been made in all enclosures of herbivore animals. Paddy straw and wheat husk bedding have been provided to all herbivore animals.
Bird cages have been covered with fiber cloth and jute mat as well as polythene sheets have been fixed tightly. Paddy straw, wheat husk and rice bran bedding have been provided to all the birds. The covering on the cage front is foldable so that it can be opened for sunlight when needed. Pheasant cages have been fixed with grass, paddy and kanna.
Reptile houses have been equipped with oil fin heaters, which are very good for reptiles as they do not affect the natural humidity of enclosures. Reptile cells have been provided with wheat husk, dry leaf foliage and heavy blankets. Reptile basking lamps (UV LAMPS) have been fitted in the reptile section. Aquarium water heaters with water circulation systems are also being provided to turtles and tortoises.
“The standard protocol for the animals is being followed as per the species. The measures being taken keeping in mind the physiological needs of the animals,” said Hooda.
Punjab govt releases grant of Rs 3.5 crore to provide study material to students
Chandigarh: To achieve the best results under the campaign "Mission 100% Give Your Best" launched by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann ahead of the annual examinations, an amount of over Rs 3. 5 crore has been released to provide photostat and printed material to the students studying in classes VIII and X in all the schools across the state. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains on Tuesday said that Rs 72 will be given to each student studying in class VIII and Rs 90 per to a student studying in class X and the amount has been released to each district according to the strength of the students. He said that with this amount, students can purchase required print material including photostat as per their requirement.