Toxic substances behind peafowl deaths in Ghaziabad, finds autopsy

Ghaziabad: Autopsies have confirmed the presence of "toxic substances" in peafowls found dead in agricultural fields in Pyachara village, forest officials said on Friday. Authorities said the exact toxin responsible will only be determined after the forensic analysis of viscera and environmental samples is completed.On Feb 23, locals had discovered several dead birds in agricultural fields in Loni and alerted authorities. Initially, 11 peafowl – six peacocks and five peahens – were reported dead, but the toll later rose to 13 after two more dead birds were found on subsequent days.
Divisional forest officer Isha Tiwari said the affected agricultural field and the waterbody near it were covered with protective nets to prevent other birds from entering the area while the investigation is ongoing. "The site was secured with nets so that other wildlife do not access the field until the cause of the deaths is confirmed," she said.Viscera samples collected from the carcasses, along with water and soil samples from nearby fields and irrigation sources, were sent to the forensic laboratory in Bareilly for detailed analysis. "The report is still awaited, and it will determine the exact substance responsible for the deaths," said a senior forest official.A forest department official said that while the post-mortem examination reports indicated the presence of toxic substances, they cannot confirm the specific chemical until the forensic examination of viscera and water samples is completed.Earlier, phosphate-based chemicals commonly used in farming were suspected to be the cause. "There were no visible injuries on the birds and no indications of poaching or foul play. During the inquiry, the department learned that a phosphate-based mixture was reportedly sprayed in a nearby field shortly before the birds were found dead," a senior forest department official told TOI.The incident triggered concern among residents in Ghaziabad and surrounding areas, with villagers saying peafowl frequently forage and drink water from agricultural fields, but such deaths were never seen before. District plant protection officer (DPPO) Vikas Kumar earlier said that pesticide residues beyond permissible limits can accumulate in living organisms and move up the food chain, posing risks to both wildlife and humans."Pesticides, especially organophosphates, can harm the human body because they affect the nervous system and make it overactive. People exposed may show signs like very small pupils, excessive sweating, saliva, breathing problems, and muscle shaking. Long-term exposure can lead to memory issues, anxiety, and nerve damage. Other chemicals such as carbamates, pyrethroids, organochlorines, and paraquat also carry health risks, including lung and hormone problems. In India, aluminium phosphide (Celphos) is very dangerous as it releases toxic gas and has no specific antidote," said Dr Ajay Agarwal, chairman, Internal Medicine, Fortis Noida.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Women's day wishes, messages and quotes !