The discovery of several dead birds and wild animals near a water source in the forest area of Dallikholi village in Khairagarh has triggered concern among villagers, wildlife enthusiasts and forest officials. The incident reportedly occurred in the Lachhna region, where a viral video from the site has drawn widespread attention on social media. According to reports, a wildlife and nature enthusiast Mukesh Verma had visited the Dallikholi forest for bird watching and nature photography when he first spotted the carcass of One Greater Racket-tailed Drongo. On examining the surrounding area further, he found several more dead birds and animals lying near the water source. The individual recorded videos of the scene and shared them on social media, following which the footage quickly went viral and created panic in the area. The video reportedly showed carcasses of a male peacock, two female peahen, three Asian palm civets and several bird species, including Rufous Treepie, Oriental Magpie Robin and Jungle Owlet. The sudden deaths of multiple species at a single location have raised serious concerns. In his social media post, the wildlife enthusiast expressed suspicion that some poisonous substance or chemical may have contaminated the water source, causing the animals and birds to die after consuming the water. However, officials have not yet confirmed the exact cause of death. Taking the matter seriously, the Forest Department has launched an investigation. Officials stated that all possible angles, including poisoning, extreme heat and water scarcity, are being examined. Water samples and other materials from the site have been collected for laboratory testing, while preparations are also underway for post-mortem examinations of the dead animals.

 

Wildlife experts said the simultaneous deaths of so many birds and animals at one location is highly unusual and requires detailed scientific investigation. The deaths of protected wildlife species such as peacocks and civets have made the matter particularly serious. Following the incident, residents and wildlife lovers in the region have demanded an impartial probe and strict action if any deliberate poisoning or contamination of the water source is established. The mysterious incident has since become a major topic of discussion across the area. Khairagarh Divisional Forest Officer Pankaj Rajput said, the prima-facie observation by veterinarian suggests that the animals could have died of heatstroke. However, final confirmation on the exact reason of the death will only be ascertained once the lab reports of viscera samples and samples from waterholes are received. DFO said that around 10 animals were found dead. Extreme Heatwave and Nautapa Period Cause Mass Bat Deaths, Forest Officials Refutes Epidemic Rumours: The severe heatwave gripping Chhattisgarh has taken a fatal toll on local wildlife, resulting in the mass mortality of migratory bats in the region. In Sarona, located near the border region, and across local pockets like Kanker, villagers reported that over five hundred bats perished within a matter of days. The sudden deaths coincide with the onset of Nautapa, the traditional nine hottest days of the summer calendar, which has triggered extreme temperature alerts across multiple districts.\

 

According to local observations, the bats began dropping unexpectedly from treetops before dying on the ground. Environmental and veterinary experts attribute the sudden spike in mortality directly to extreme thermal stress and dehydration. Wildlife officials noted that bats struggle significantly to regulate their internal temperature once environmental conditions cross critical thresholds, making the current heatwave conditions highly dangerous for high-density colonies. The intense summer heat is simultaneously impacting public health across the state. Government hospitals and local clinics are experiencing a sharp influx of patients presenting with symptoms of heat exhaustion, dehydration, severe dizziness, and heatstroke. In response, medical authorities have issued public health advisories urging citizens to remain indoors during peak afternoon hours, increase their daily water consumption, and take adequate physical precautions against direct sun exposure.

 

Amid the rising concerns, the district administration and the Animal Husbandry Department issued a formal statement to address and refute misleading reports circulating on digital platforms regarding a separate incident near Naukonia Pond in the Pali area of Korba district. Rumors on social media had suggested that the death of approximately two hundred migratory bats in that locality was caused by an infectious disease outbreak or an unknown epidemic. Official investigation and post-mortem reports compiled by the state veterinary division confirmed that heatstroke was the sole cause of death, explicitly ruling out any viral infections or contagious illnesses. A joint task force from the Forest Department and the Animal Husbandry Department safely disposed of the carcasses under strict protocols to eliminate public health risks. Field samples have been sent to a forensic laboratory for secondary confirmation, and officials confirmed that the mortality rate has dropped significantly. The Meteorological Department has forecast that high temperatures will persist over the coming days, prompting the administration to ask the public to remain vigilant. Authorities have requested citizens to avoid spreading unverified rumors and to report any unusual wildlife deaths directly to the departmental control rooms.