A tragic incident involving the death of dozens of sheep has shaken Lucknow, prompting a high-level inquiry ordered by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. At least 71 sheep perished and several others fell critically ill near the recently inaugurated Rashtra Prerna Sthal in the city.
CM Yogi Reacts, Announces Compensation
Taking immediate cognizance of the event reported on December 30, 2025, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. In a significant relief measure for the affected herders, the CM announced financial assistance of Rs 10,000 for each sheep that died.
The sheep belonged to residents of Fatehpur district who had recently arrived in Lucknow and were staying with their herd in an open space in the Ghela area, close to the Rashtra Prerna Sthal. The site was inaugurated just days earlier, on December 25.
Conflicting Claims and Official Response
While the exact cause is still under official determination, an NGO working in the area, Aasra The Helping Hands, has made a serious allegation. Its representative, Charu Khare, claimed that the animals suffered food poisoning after consuming rotten food waste dumped in the open space. Khare alleged negligence by the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and stated that a complaint had been submitted to the police.
However, the district administration has maintained a cautious stance, awaiting scientific evidence. Lucknow Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Manoj Kumar Singh stated that the administration is waiting for the post-mortem reports before deciding the next course of action. Similarly, officials confirmed that the post-mortem examination of the dead sheep has been conducted and viscera samples preserved for laboratory analysis.
Rescue and Treatment Efforts
The incident came to light after the local police alerted the Animal Husbandry Department. Lucknow Chief Veterinary Officer Suresh Kumar swiftly dispatched a team of three veterinary doctors to the spot. According to Dr. Kumar, there were nearly 300 sheep at the site. Following medical intervention, around 70 sheep have recovered, and treatment for the remaining affected animals is ongoing.
The veterinary doctors on site reported that the sheep likely consumed a poisonous substance a day earlier, leading to symptoms like swollen stomachs and breathing difficulties. The dead sheep will be buried after the completion of all necessary procedures. As of the latest reports, no First Information Report (FIR) has been registered in the case.
The incident highlights critical issues of waste management in open areas and the vulnerability of livestock, casting a shadow over the vicinity of the newly inaugurated memorial. The entire state now awaits the post-mortem findings to understand the precise chain of events that led to this substantial loss for the herders.
