Daijiworld Media Network - Balod

Balod (Chhattisgarh), May 30: Unusual and unexplained deaths of bats in the Dalli Rajhara region of Balod district have raised alarm among local authorities, prompting a joint investigation by the Forest and Veterinary departments.

Officials said that over the past several days, dozens of dead bats have been discovered daily at a specific location in the area, with estimates suggesting that between 50 and 70 bats are dying each day. The repeated occurrences have led to heightened concern over a possible environmental or biological cause.

The situation has been described as abnormal by authorities, who have now placed the region under close surveillance. A coordinated team from the Forest Department is actively monitoring the affected sites and mapping areas where carcasses are being found.

To determine the cause of the deaths, samples from the dead bats have been collected and sent to the ICAR-National High Security Animal Diseases Laboratory in Bhopal for detailed analysis.

Preliminary assessments have pointed to extreme heat conditions or a possible infectious disease as potential causes, though officials stressed that no conclusion can be drawn until laboratory results are available.

Forest officials also indicated that the possibility of an outbreak or environmental stress factor cannot be ruled out at this stage. However, they emphasised that speculation would be premature without scientific confirmation.

In response to the situation, senior forest authorities have issued urgent directives to intensify monitoring and ensure coordinated action between departments. Veterinary teams are also assisting in the ongoing field investigation.

Authorities have urged residents not to touch dead or sick bats and to immediately report any such sightings to the Forest Department to prevent potential health risks and assist in data collection.

Officials said the investigation remains ongoing, and further clarity is expected once laboratory reports are received, which will help determine whether the deaths are linked to climate conditions, disease, or other ecological factors.