Blame game begins over Delhi Zoo blackbucks’ deaths

NEW DELHI - A blame game has begun over the deaths of 10 blackbucks in the Delhi Zoo, with zoo authorities Tuesday blaming the Delhi Jal Board (DJB) for contaminated water supply and the water supply agency denying any responsibility.

The blackbucks died after drinking contaminated water that had flowed back into their enclosure due to a blockage in the sewer line. Eight of the animals died Sunday and two died Monday.

“The zoo has a direct pipe leading to the Yamuna for disposal of sewage, which has been blocked. We have been repeatedly approaching the DJB officials for unblocking the sewer line and pumping out the sewage water, but they paid no heed to us,” a zoo official told IANS.

The official also said a meeting was held between the Delhi zoo authorities and the DJB officials, but the water agency did nothing.

According to the zoo official, all the animals died due to a severe intestinal infection.

“We have been spraying lime in the affected areas. Meanwhile, the other blackbucks have been given antibiotics and some other animals who were also showing symptoms of stomach pain and other sickness are being treated for infection,” he added.

The DJB denied the charges.

“The Ring Road sewer passes under the zoo but it is not functioning for the past 10 years. The DJB has no presence in the zoo which has its own drainage system. The zoo has been emptying its sewage directly into the river through a line that is not ours,” a senior DJB official told IANS.

“However, when they approached us with the sewage blockage problem during the monsoon season, we have set up pumps to drain out the water,” the official added.