Due to the spread of coronavirus in the country and a recent news report on a Tiger being infected with the COVID 19 in New York, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has issued an advisory. The advisory issued is regarding containing & management of COVID-19 in National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.
The step was taken by the Ministry as it is felt that there are possibilities of spread of the coronavirus amongst animals in National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves & also transmission of the virus from humans to animals and vice-versa.
As per the advisory the Ministry has asked Chief Wildlife Wardens of all States/UT’s to do the following steps:
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Take immediate preventive measures to stop the transmission & spread of the virus from humans to animals and vice versa, in National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.
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To reduce the human wildlife interface.
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Take steps to restrict the movement of people to National Parks/Sanctuaries/Tiger Reserves.
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Constitute a Task Force/Rapid Action Force with Field Managers, Frontline staff, & Veterinary doctors to manage the situation as soon as possible.
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Make a ‘round the clock’ reporting mechanism with a Nodal Officer for swift management of any cases noticed.
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Form essential services for emergency treatment of animals & their safe release back to their natural habitats, as and when required.
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Increase disease surveillance, monitoring and mapping system through coordinated effort amongst various Departments.
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Maintain all other stipulations issued by the Health Ministry in the movement of staff, tourists, villagers etc. in and around National Parks or Sanctuaries or Tiger Reserves.
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Take other possible measures to control the spread of the virus.
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Report this Ministry about the action taken.
