Residents of Indira Nagar in Chennai's Adyar area are witnessing a disturbing and unexplained phenomenon: crows are falling from the sky and dying in a local park and surrounding streets. The unsettling sight has sparked concern and fear among the community, prompting an urgent investigation by civic authorities.
A Disturbing Daily Tally
The situation came to a head on Tuesday when locals and the park's watchman, Kutty, counted at least 30 crows either dead or in a dying state within the park premises. Kutty revealed that the birds had started dropping dead approximately four or five days prior, and the numbers have been increasing with each passing day. He provided a chilling detail, noting that the birds do not perish immediately. "The crows are not dying immediately. They remain on the ground for at least a day before they die," he said, describing a slow and painful decline.
Official Investigation and Initial Theories
Responding to the alarming reports, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) collected samples from the dead birds on Wednesday. These samples have been sent for a detailed analysis to the Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Tanuvas). Officials hope the lab reports, expected within two days, will pinpoint the exact cause.
Speaking to the press, zonal health officer Dr. Sheela shared initial suspicions. "We suspect food poisoning or water contamination since the deaths are clustered around the park. Electrocution is unlikely, as there are no Tangedco overhead power lines here," she explained, ruling out one potential cause. However, GCC veterinary officer J Kamal Hussain offered another possibility, stating that "if similar deaths are seen in multiple parts of Adyar, a viral infection is possible."
Public Health Advisory and Community Concern
Given the uncertainty surrounding the cause, experts have issued a clear warning to the public. The veterinary officer strongly advised people not to touch the dead or dying crows with bare hands, citing the potential risk of an underlying viral infection that could be transmissible.
This precaution has amplified worries among residents. Namachivayam C, a regular walker in the park, voiced a common fear, urging a thorough investigation. He emphasized that "if it is a virus, it could spread to humans too," highlighting the need for swift and transparent action from the authorities. The community now anxiously awaits the findings from Tanuvas, hoping for answers to this mysterious avian tragedy in their neighborhood.
