Hills have no chicken rule for picnics

Kalimpong, Jan. 25: People from the plains bound for the numerous picnic spots in the Gorubathan area of the Kalimpong subdivision are advised to strike off chicken and eggs from their menu.

From tomorrow, the Gorubathan block administration with the help of police will enforce strict measures to prevent the entry of chicken and eggs in the area in a bid to keep at bay the avian flu currently sweeping through many parts of Bengal.

While the ban on the import of chicken and eggs applies across the board — even local retailers are not outside its purview — the block administration is more worried about flying visitors, especially picnickers, bringing in poultry items on the sly.

“Around this time of the year, busloads of people, including many from the affected districts, flock scenic spots like Chitong, Chel and Sakam for picnics. They could bring with them some affected fowls, which could lead to the disease spreading here as well,” said Rakesh Gurung, the officer in-charge of the Gorubathan police outpost.

“We will set up a picket at a central point and search vehicles for birds and eggs. If we find even a single one, we will ensure that it does not remain in the Gorubathan area,” Gurung added over telephone from Gorubathan, around 70km from here.

The decision to prevent the entry of poultry products from outside was taken at an emergency meeting called by the block livestock development officer, Devendra Pradhan. “This is in keeping with the directive of the Bengal government to prevent the spread of the flu to new areas,” said Pradhan from Gorubathan.

The hills have so far remained free from the flu, which has already been found in 11 districts of the state.