KENDRAPARA: Around 73 buffaloes reportedly died in a mass drowning after a stampede in Brahmani river near Eakamania village under Aul block here on Sunday afternoon.
On being informed about the incident, veterinary officials on Monday launched an investigation to ascertain the reason behind the death of the buffaloes amid allegations of the river water being poisoned to catch fish.
Raghunath Das of Eakamania said, “The stampede started after three crocodiles were spotted in the river. Around 88 buffaloes struggled to reach the river embankment for nearly an hour. Despite efforts, 73 buffaloes could not survive.”
Chief district veterinary officer (CDVO) of Kendrapara Manoj Kumar Patnaik said as per preliminary investigation, 73 buffaloes drowned in the river due to a stampede as stated by some eyewitnesses. A team of veterinary officials and scientists of Animal Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) at Phulnakhara in Cuttack reached Eakamania village on Monday for investigation.
“The exact cause of the mass death of buffaloes is still uncertain and under investigation. So far, carcasses of 44 buffaloes have been recovered. We will confirm the exact numbers and other details as the investigation progresses,” said Patnaik.
The CDVO further said locals have alleged that some fishermen had mixed poison in the river water to kill fish. The buffaloes allegedly died after consuming the poisonous water. The scientists of ADRI have collected water from the river to examine it. “A team of veterinary doctors conducted postmortem on some of the dead buffaloes. We are waiting for the autopsy reports,” he said.
Meanwhile, local buffalo owners demanded adequate compensation from the government for their loss. Ganesh Das of Eakamania said he lost 40 buffaloes in the incident. “I used to earn around `30,000 per month by selling milk from the buffaloes. My future is now at stake after the death of all my 40 buffaloes. I need proper compensation from the government.”
Sources said 17 buffaloes of Jagannath Das and 16 of Pagala Biswal also drowned in the river. The CDVO assured that adequate compensation will be provided to the affected buffalo owners.