KARACHI: After reports of death of dozens of peacocks in Thar apparently because of intense heat Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah on Saturday asked the authorities concerned to take all possible measures to ensure that no further peacock of the desert district dies, officials said.

A spokesman for Chief Minister House said Mr Shah expressed his concern over the reported deaths of dozens of peacocks in Thar.

The chief minister ordered the authorities to send veterinary teams to the desert district to investigate the cause behind such deaths and take pre-emptive measures to ensure no further birds die.

Officials said the chief minister was annoyed over the reports and asked why the authorities concerned did not take precautionary measures during the scorching summer to save precious peacocks.

Peacocks die in dozens and sometimes in hundreds every year over the past few years. Previously, officials said, the green peafowl died for variety of communication diseases. However, for the past couple of years the beautiful bird died because of scorching heat and drought-like situation.

Mr Shah asked the authorities to prepare a report and submit it to him in the next two days.

Recent reports show that at least 40 peacocks died in Thar due to the outbreak of a deadly viral disease and severely humid conditions.

The intense heatwave is said to have a deadly impact on the admirably beautiful birds. Various reports also hinted towards the spread of a viral disease in the peacocks living in the arid region.

Recently, reports show at least 20 peacocks lost their lives in Thar’s Diplo town, while a couple of dozen birds have died in the three villages of Nagarparkar town.

Reports suggested that before Saturday’s orders by the chief minister, dozens of peacocks were seen struggling for their lives.

Published in Dawn, May 8th, 2016