Jalpaiguri (WB) Jan 31 (ANI): Indian Air Force (AIF) MiG-27 aircraft crashed near Air Force Station Hashimara in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri District today.

The aircraft flew from Hashimara airbase and was on a routine flying training by Wing Commander J Singh when it crashed at around 12.40 p.m.

Wing Commander Singh ejected safely. There were no casualties due to the air crash.

An inquiry has been ordered to investigate the reasons for the accident. (ANI)
--MP

Darjeeling/Kolkata, Jan 31 (ANI): The fear of bird flu spread on Thursday gripped Darjeeling district of West Bengal as 38 chickens were found dead at Takdah village.

The total number of bird-flu hit districts in the state has gone up to 13 out of 19, despite the culling of birds being taken up on a war footing.

Thirty-eight chickens died at Takdah village of the district on Wednesday night, said Darjeeling Magistrate Rajesh Pandey, adding that blood samples have been sent to Bhopal.

According to sources, the West Bengal Animal Husbandry Ministry has raised the culling target to 27 lakh after death of 4,000 chickens were reported in North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday.

"As the target area is increasing every day it is impossible to say how many chicken will have to be killed," West Bengal Animal Resources Development minister Anisur Rehman said.

"We have sent more than 3,500 human samples and none have tested positive," he added.

In West Bengal, fresh poultry deaths were reported yesterday from a private farm in South 24-Parganas triggering fears that the H5N1 virus might be spreading to the organised sector after affecting backyard chicken.

Earlier this week, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss had said that poultry deaths due to bird flu in West Bengal have declined.

"It is a fact that the natural disease mortality has declined in West Bengal due to

The Central Government had sought details from neighbouring Bangladesh on the strain of bird flu virus affecting the poultry in that country.

The 5000-crore organised poultry industry in West Bengal has been badly hit following the outbreak of bird flu.

Since January 15, when the epidemic was officially declared, chicken sales and exports have dipped to an all time low.

Poultry owners are being paid 40 rupees for each bird that is culled. Poultry farm owners hope banks and financial institutions will back them again this time.

In 2006, after bird flu was detected in Maharashtra, the Centre had given a four per cent subsidy on interest on loans given to the organised sector and backed it up with subsidy on poultry feed.

In Jharkhand, additional check posts have been set up in nine sensitive districts adjacent to West Bengal. The district administrations have banned the movement of poultry products from West Bengal. (ANI)
--MP

Durgapur (West Bengal), Jan 31 (ANI): Despite the scare of bird flu in West Bengal, chicken is being sold in the Burdwan District of the State.

The outbreak is affecting 13 of West Bengal's 19 districts but in Durgapur town customers queued up to buy chickens at the local mart.

One seller, Bashir said, "Due to the panic over bird flu, sales had gone down. But the government had not banned the sale of chicken and had asked people to boil it properly before cooking."

Officials said a strict vigil is being maintained to check the spread of bird flu.

"Durgapur had not been affected by bird flu but all precautionary measures were in place," said Dilip Kumar Biswas, an animal husbandry official.

As per the latest reports, a total of 916 Rapid Response Teams were engaged on January 28, which completed culling of 2.38 lakh birds taking the cumulative figure of culling so far to 21.68 lakh.

The 5000 crore poultry industry in West Bengal has been badly hit following the outbreak of bird flu.

Meanwhile, the United States has offered help to India in containing the bird flu outbreak in West Bengal. It will provide preventive drug Tamiflu and protective gear to personnel involved in culling and other operations.

In 2006, after bird flu was detected in Maharashtra, the Centre had given a four per cent subsidy on interest on loans given to the organised sector and backed it up with subsidy on poultry feed. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Jan 29 (ANI): Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss on Tuesday said that poultry deaths due to bird flu in West Bengal have declined.

"It is a fact that the natural disease mortality has declined in West Bengal due to bird flu. Lesser number of birds are dying due to the disease," Ramadoss told reporters here.

He also expressed confidence that the State and Central Governments "would be able to contain the disease."

Ramadoss expressed his satisfaction over the steps being taken by the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee Government to contain the outbreak.

He also said that the Centre has accepted all the requests send by the State Government for monetary and other help.

Ramadoss said that the government is also trying to find out a compensation package for the poultry industry.

Meanwhile, the Central Government has sought details from neighbouring Bangladesh on the strain of bird flu virus affecting the poultry in that country.

"On the issue of Bangladesh we have been asking the External Affairs Ministry to coordinate with the Bangladesh Government and also the World Health Organisation (WHO) to find out what strain Bangladesh has been afflicted with,"
Ramadoss told reporters.

"Once we cull the birds and do away with them and if again the infection comes we need to know where it has come from," he added.

The total number of bird-flu hit districts in the state has gone up to 13 out of 19, despite the culling of birds being taken up on a war footing.

As per the latest reports, a total of 916 Rapid Response Teams were engaged on January 28, which completed culling of 2.38 lakh birds taking the cumulative figure of culling so far to 21.68 lakh.

The 5000 crore organised poultry industry in West Bengal has been badly hit following the outbreak of bird flu.

Since January 15, when the epidemic was officially declared, chicken sales and exports have dipped to an all time low.

Poultry owners are being paid 40 rupees for each bird that is culled. Poultry farm owners hope banks and financial institutions will back them again this time.

In 2006, after bird flu was detected in Maharashtra, the Centre had given a four per cent subsidy on interest on loans given to the organised sector and backed it up with subsidy on poultry feed. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan.29 (ANI): The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has banned the sale of chicken and eggs in all municipal markets except 14 government-approved hatcheries like Arambagh Chicken and others.

Fayaz Khan, the mayor in council of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation confirmed that the ban is effective from today and would continue at least for a week.

Khan also said that the police have been instructed to maintain a vigil at all entry points.

The Kolkata Corporation has also launched an awareness drive among buyers. Pamphlets and posters are being distributed in all areas falling under the jurisdiction of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation.

Eight Kolkata Municipal Corporation teams have been deputed to visit all markets on a regular basis.

Vendors are allowed to sell chicken only if they have certificates of permitted hatcheries.

With the city reeling from the impact of bird flu, people have stopped eating chicken and eggs. This has given an unexpected boost to fish markets in the city. The price of fish has sky rocketed over the last two days, and it is expected that after Tuesday's ban it will rise further.

Chicken vendors in various market complained that police came in the morning and forced them to shut down.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Home Secretary Prasad Ranjan Roy has confirmed that the US consulate had offered help to fight the bird flu epidemic. He said that the request has been forwarded to the Center, and now it was up to the Center to decide.

He also said that there was no confirmation that the H5N1 virus had come from Bangladesh. He said that there had been no poultry trade between India and Bangladesh. (ANI)
--MP

Rampurhat (West Bengal), Jan 29 (ANI): Veterinary staff in West Bengal are facing opposition from Rampurhat villagers who complain of meager compensation for birds being offered for culling.

"We are not adequately compensated for parting with our poultry. The officials give part of the compensation money to us and pocket the rest. We are not giving away our birds," said Sukumar Bagdi, a villager.

Officials admitted they have fallen short of meeting the target.

"Our target was 125,000 birds, but till now we could only cull 108,378 birds. We have total of 218 villagers under our administration. I have information from village councils that culling is not taking place in some of the villagers," said Kougen Roy, a development official of the Rampurhat village.

Realizing the fact that many poultry bird owners were reluctant to give their birds up for culling, the district administration has sought the help of the police in a door-to-door operation.

The State Government has said that it will issue a notification within a day asking all villagers to give up their birds for culling. Otherwise, police would start a door-to-door raid.

The district administration feels that even if a single bird is not culled in the affected areas, there is every possibility of the virus spreading further.

The Centre is reportedly considering a relief package for the poultry industry and for farmers affected by the bird flu.

The Union Agriculture Ministry has called a meeting of poultry industry representatives on Wednesday to take their view on the matter.

The total number of bird-flu hit districts in West Bengal has gone up to 13 out of 19, despite the culling of birds being taken up on a war footing.

West Bengal Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rehman has said that over 15.75 lakh poultry have been culled so far out of the target of 22 lakh birds.

Officially, the culling is over at all bird flu affected areas in Birbhum, the most affected district in West Bengal.

Neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and Bhutan too have ordered a strict surveillance on poultry-related traffic from India following the bird flu outbreak. (ANI)
-- MP

Murshidabad (West Bengal), Jan 28 (ANI): A new case of bird flu has been registered in the Shamsherganj block of West Bengal's Murshidabad district, where a culling operation is already in progress.

The total number of bird-flu hit districts in the state has gone up to 13 out of 19, despite the culling of birds being taken up on a war footing.

The teams are undertaking culling operations in West Midnapore, South 24 Parganas, Birbhum, Murshidabad, Malda, CoochBehar, Purulia and Howrah Districts.

Fifteen teams have started their culling operations in West Midnapore District. The teams are conducting the culling operations in a five kilometre radius of Chakbelcha village which falls under the Debra block of the Kharagpur sub-division, District Magistrate N S Nigam said.

"Five districts- South Dinajpur, Nadia, Burdwan and Bankura and Hooghly have completed their culling operations. In the remaining districts culling will be completed soon," he added.

West Bengal Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rehman said that over 15.75 lakh poultry have been culled so far out of the target of 22 lakh birds.

"Of the targeted 22 lakh, we have been able to cull nearly 15.75 lakh birds and 1.25 lakh have died. The rest of the lot will be completed by Monday," Rehman said.

The 5000 crore organised poultry industry in West Bengal has been badly hit following the outbreak of bird flu.

Since January 15, when the epidemic was officially declared, chicken sales and exports have dipped to an all time low.

Poultry owners are being paid 40 rupees for each bird that is culled. Poultry farm owners hope banks and financial institutions will back them again this time.

In 2006, after bird flu was detected in Maharashtra, the Centre had given a 4 per cent subsidy on interest on loans given to the organised sector and backed it up with subsidy on poultry feed. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 27 (ANI): Trinamool Congress has criticised the UPA government for nominating industrialist Ratan Tata and External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee for Padma Vibhusan, the second highest civilian award of the country.

Trinamool Congress' president Mamta Banerjee has called for a public debate on the Padma awards, citing partisanship in giving these awards.

Cadres of the Trinamool Congress, the main opposition party in West Bengal, shouted anti-government slogans and burnt effigies of Mukherjee and Tata.

"We strongly feel that the UPA Government has wrongly awarded Padma Vibhushan to them," said Madan Mitra, a Trinamool Congress activist.

Recently, West Bengal has been the centre of massive protests over acquisition of agricultural land for setting up of mega industrial projects in Nandigram and Singur.

The Trianamool Congress had opposed Ratan Tata's car project in Singur district and violent clashes have been reported from time to time between party activists and ruling CPI (M) cadres.

Tata Motors, a unit of Indian conglomerate Tata Group is poised to roll out the world's cheapest car, for 100,000 rupees from Singur plant.

The project is billed as key to rejuvenation of West Bengal. The Left Front is an ally of the UPA Government and Pranab Mukherjee too hails from the State.

This year the UPA Government has honoured 13 people with Padma Vibhushan, 35 with Padma Bhushan and 71 with Padma Shri. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan.27 (ANI): It seems Kolkattans are in love with diamond now-a-days, as the city has emerged to be the biggest market for diamond by recording a maximum growth rate for five years in comparison to other markets for the same in rest of the country. 

The growth rate of 32 per cent witnessed in Kolkata's diamond market in comparison to the national growth rate of 24 per cent speaks volumes of this new reality. The city has outshined three other metropolitan cities-- Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.

According to the Business Manager of De Beers, Premjit Sengupta, "The growth rate of diamond market in Delhi is 21 per cent, Mumbai 23 per cent and Chennai 19 per cent while Kolkata's rate is 32 per cent. 

With investments flooding Bengal and IT companies setting up their shops the overall purchasing power and attitude of common people of the city has undergone a sea change.

Kolkatans, who have been viewed as conservative buyers in the past, are now experiencing a revolution in the retail market with new shopping malls and brands opening up their outlets.

Local Bengalis, who are known for savings and once a year long travels, are now spending a lot on their lifestyle. This new purchasing trend among Bengalis is boosting the trades such as retail garments, jewellery and many other items related to one's social status. 

Sengupta of De beers said: "The main drivers behind this phenomenal growth are availability, stock and range. Earlier, it was thought that diamonds are for the rich and famous. Continuous campaign has break the common myth . Now all established jewellers in the city devote 40-50 per cent stock space to diamond ornaments suitable for all pockets." 

Anarghya Chowdhury, the owner of Anjali Jewellers, says that the tremendous growth has been reflected in their all outlets.

"Diamond is actually one's style statement and it talks about power. Earlier, Kolkatans did not know what to do with their money. But now they have the places to spend," he added. 

Customers admit that now small diamonds are available which enable middle-class buyers to opt for diamond jewellery.

Swasati, a customer, said: "Earlier, diamond was out of our reach but now it is available in small budgets. So we can also buy diamond items."

The sky-rocketing price of gold is another reason for diamond to shine. 

The Executive Director of Senco Gold, Subhankar Sen, says: "The most interesting thing is that Kolkata has been recorded 30 per cent growth in diamond market for quite a long time so it's a consistent growth."

At the same time, the concept of Diamond Mall, like Fortnox, where all diamond brands are available under one roof, is also another boosting factor.  (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 27 (ANI): West Midnapore and South 24 Parganas district were the latest to join the list of districts in West Bengal infected with the deadly H5N1 bird flu virus.

The total number of avian influenza-affected districts in the state has gone up to 13 out of the 19 districts, despite culling of birds being taken up in a war footing.

West Bengal Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rehman today said that over 15.75 lakh poultry have been culled so far out of the target of 22 lakh.

"Of the targeted 22 lakh we have been able to cull nearly 15.75 lakh birds and 1.25 lakh have died. The rest of the lot will be completed by tomorrow," Rehman told reporters here.

"Four districts - South Dinajpur, Nadia, Burdwan and Bankura have completed their culling operations. In the remaining districts culling will be completed soon, he added.

The state government has sent 816 more samples for testing and results will come by Monday.

"If there are any positive samples then we will have to increase the surveillance in the area. So at present we cannot say that the thing is over but the situation is definitely under control," he said. 

Earlier on Friday, the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal, confirmed that samples from the Sankrail block of Howrah district and Santuri block of Purulia district tested positive for avian influenza taking the number of affected districts to 11.

The 5000 crore organised poultry industry in West Bengal has taken a bad hit following the outbreak of bird flu.

Since January 15 when the epidemic was officially declared, chicken sales and export have dipped to an all time low.
Poultry owners are being paid 40 rupees for each bird culled. Poultry farm owners hope banks and financial institutions will back them again this time.

In 2006, after bird flu was detected in Maharashtra, the Centre had given a 4 per cent subsidy on interest on loans given to the organised sector and backed it up with subsidy on poultry feed.

Now, farm owners want culling to be over at the earliest to restore customer confidence. The government says it is doing what it can. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Jan 24 (ANI): With culling of over two-and-a-half lakh birds in West Bengal on Wednesday, the total number of birds culled in the state has neared 6.6-lakh mark.

Till yesterday, 2, 67, 091 birds were culled in Birbhum, 79, 437 in Dakshin Dinajpur, 88, 611 were culled in Murshidabad, 70, 068 in Nadia, 1, 54, 804 were culled in Burdwan and 5, 622 were culled in Bankura.

Around 1,33,180 number of eggs and 10, 879 kilograms of feed was destroyed till Wednesday in these districts of the state.

On Wednesday, 468 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) were deployed for culling and surveillance operations.

New Delhi, Jan 24 (ANI): Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi on Thursday said that the Centre was in touch with the State Governments on the prevailing situation of bird flu and it would work in tandem with states to contain its spread.

Dasmunsi told reporters that there the West Bengal Government delayed informing the Centre about the outbreak.

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has briefed the Union Cabinet about the out-break and the spread of bird flu in different districts of West Bengal.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked to extensively use All India Radio channels to disseminate knowledge about bird flu through.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rehman said that the situation is under control. The State government has released 85 million rupees for compensation to poultry losers and urged the centre for more funds in this regard.

A high alert has been sounded in all the nine districts of Jharkhand that are adjacent to West Bengal.

Jharkhand Animal Husbandary Secretary A.K. Sarkar has said that a crisis management team has been set up to monitor the situation.

A high level three member central team today visited Golpara and Phaulbari area of Garo Hills district of Meghalaya to take stock of the situation on bird flu across the border areas of the state.

On Wednesday, Pawar had said that the deadly H5N1 virus that infected nine districts of West Bengal has entered from Bangladesh.

He had also said that the Centre had warned the bordering states to keep a check on poultry smuggling, adding, "But I think they mustn't have paid attention."

About 160,000 poultry birds have been culled in West Bengal so far, while over 100,000 birds have succumbed to the disease.

The H5N1 strain has killed more than 200 people globally since it re-emerged in Asia in 2003 and has since spread across much of Asia, the Middle East, parts of Europe and Africa.

The WHO has called the outbreak the most serious in India. (ANI)
--MP

Cooch Behar, Jan 24 (ANI): While media reports indicate that bird flu has been located in Kolkata, the State Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rehman has claimed that the situation is under control in West Bengal and there are no reports of further spread of bird flu in the State.

Authorities are now testing dead bird samples from areas near Kolkata.

Rehman informed that the culling of the infected birds would be completed within next four days.

The State government has released eight crore fifty lakhs rupees for compensation to poultry losers and urged the centre for more funds in this regard.

Meanwhile Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar has said that the deadly H5N1 virus that has infected nine districts of West Bengal has entered from Bangladesh.

Pawar said that the Centre has warned the bordering states to keep a check on poultry smuggling, adding, "But I think they mustn't have paid attention."

Earlier, Rehman had confirmed that Cooch Behar and Hooghly districts were also affected by bird flu.

"Samples of chicken sent from Cooch Behar and Hooghly districts to the Highrisk Security Disease Laboratory (HSDL) in Bhopal yesterday tested positive," Rehman said on Wednesday.

The Bihar Government has also ordered culling of chicken in six panchayat areas in Katihar district, adjacent to West Bengal.

"We have received reports about a suspected case of bird flu at Mohammedpur in Malda district, hardly 5 km from Katihar. We are in constant touch with the West Bengal government about it," Deputy Chief Minister and Animal And Fishery Resources Minister, Sushil Modi told reporters.

Border officials in Tripura are taking steps to check the entry of bird flu virus from Bangladesh.

Alarmed over the outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal, a high alert has been sounded in neighbouring Meghalaya to prevent the spread of the disease in that state.

According to state officials, all veterinary officials, especially those posted along the India-Bangladesh border have been directed to take preventive measures.

About 160,000 poultry birds have been culled in West Bengal so far, while over 100,000 birds have succumbed to the disease.

The H5N1 strain has killed more than 200 people globally since it re-emerged in Asia in 2003 and has since spread across much of Asia, the Middle East, parts of Europe and Africa.

The WHO has called the outbreak the most serious in India. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi/Kolkata, Jan 23 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar on Wednesday said that the deadly H5N1 virus that has infected nine districts of West Bengal has entered from Bangladesh.

Pawar said that the Centre has warned the bordering states to keep a check on poultry smuggling, adding, "But I think they mustn't have paid attention."

West Bengal Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rahaman confirmed that Cooch Behar and Hooghly districts were also affected by bird flu.

"Samples of chicken sent from Cooch Behar and Hooghly districts to the Highrisk Security Disease Laboratory (HSDL) in Bhopal yesterday tested positive," Rahaman said on Wednesday.

"We have been informed by the Centre. Steps will be taken accordingly," he said.

Meanwhile, in Bihar and Jharkhand are reportedly getting into the grip of H5N1 virus where poultry farmers reported fresh cases of poultry deaths.

State authorities have started collecting blood samples from Idgaon village of Jharkhand that reported the deaths of the birds.

The Bihar Government has ordered culling of chicken in six panchayat areas in Katihar district.

"We have received reports about a suspected case of bird flu at Mohammedpur in Malda district, hardly 5 km from Katihar. We are in constant touch with the West Bengal government about it," Deputy Chief Minister and Animal And Fishery Resources Minister, Sushil Modi told reporters.

Border officials in Tripura are taking steps to check the entry of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu virus from Bangladesh, even as authorities in West Bengal continue to struggle to contain the disease.

Through Tripura does not import poultry products from Bangladesh, everyday hundreds of vehicles enter the state from that country.

Health officials have been fumigating vehicles at the India-Bangladesh border, even as border guards seek a vigil to prevent the smuggling of the poultry into the country.

"Officially, we do not import poultry and its produce from Bangladesh. In addition to that there may be chances that poultry and its produce is smuggled into India from Bangladesh. We have sanitized our battalions to see that the smuggling of the poultry is denied," said J. A. Khan, Inspector General, Border Security Force (BSF).

Alarmed over the outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal, a high alert has been sounded in neighbouring Meghalaya to prevent the spread of the disease in that state.

According to state officials, all veterinary officials, especially those posted along the India-Bangladesh border have been directed to take preventive measures.

An extensive awareness campaign has also been introduced.

The State Government has already banned the entry of chickens in the state from outside. Additional gates have been set along the border to keep an eye.

About 160,000 poultry birds have been culled so far, while over 100,000 birds have succumbed to the disease. (ANI)
--MP

Shillong, Jan 23 (ANI): Alarmed over the outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal, an high alert has been sounded in neighbouring Meghalaya to prevent the spread of the disease in that state.

According to state officials, all veterinary officials, especially those posted along the India-Bangladesh border have been directed to take preventive measures.

An extensive awareness campaign has also been introduced.

The State Government has already banned the entry of chickens in the state from outside. Additional gates have been set along the border to keep an eye.

Apart from this, the administration has sent around 100 blood samples of chicken from Ranikor, Borsora, Baghmara and other villages to Bhopal and Kolkata for tests.

The Union Animal Husbandry and Health departments' team will reach here today to review the situation.

The state Animal Husbandry and Veterinary department has already conducted surveillance, early detection and vaccination programmes.

So far, seven districts -- Birbhum, Murshidabad, south Dinajpur, Burdwan, Nadia, Bankura and Malda -- in West Bengal have been affected by bird flu.

About 160,000 poultry birds have been culled so far, while over 100,000 birds have succumbed to the disease. (ANI)
-MP

Birbhum (West Bengal), Jan 23 (ANI):  Residents in West Bengal intercepted six vehicles smuggling birds from a bird flu infected area.

The six vehicles, which were interpreted by villagers at Nalhati, a bordering village along the Bengal-Jharkhand border, contained stock collected from different places in Birbhum where avian influenza has spread.

Most of the stock was from Rampurhat's two blocks, rest from other blocks and Bakreswar.

The police moved the recovered stock to a riverbank and buried the culled chicken.

Villagers residing in Rampuhat reeling under bird flu have decided to sell off their stock in Jharkhand.

"I was taking the chicken in the tempo when the villagers stopped my vehicle. They called the police and handed us over. We were taking the chicken to Jharkhand," said Imtiaz Ali, the driver who was smuggling out his stock of chickens.

The government compensation for the culled birds is Rs 40 for a country chicken, Rs 30 for poultry and Rs 10 for every chick, which the villagers claim as 'inadequate'.

According to the residents, smugglers offer to buy their stock at higher rates to the government compensation.

Meanwhile, border officials in Tripura have mounted steps to check the entry of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu virus from Bangladesh, where nearly 25,000 fowls have been culled after the disease outbreak.

Though Tripura doesn't import poultry product from Bangladesh but everyday hundreds of vehicles enter the state from the neighbouring country.

Health officials fumigated vehicles at the border as border guard's maintained vigil to prevent the smuggling of the poultry into the country.

Seven districts of West Bengal have been affected to the bird flu but officials said the infection could be more widespread as they waited for test.

The virus was also spreading to new areas within already infected districts and the state was finding it difficult to contain the disease. (ANI)
--MP

Agartala/ Murshidabad (WB), Jan 23 (ANI): Border officials in Tripura are taking steps to check the entry of the deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu virus from Bangladesh, even as authorities in West Bengal continue to struggle to contain the disease.

Through Tripura does not import poultry products from Bangladesh, everyday hundreds of vehicles enter the state from that country.

Health officials have been fumigating vehicles at the India-Bangladesh border, even as border guards seek a vigil to prevent the smuggling of the poultry into the country.

"Officially, we do not import poultry and its produce from Bangladesh. In addition to that there may be chances that poultry and its produce is smuggled into India from Bangladesh. We have sanitized our battalions to see that the smuggling of the poultry is denied," said J. A. Khan, Inspector General, Border Security Force (BSF).

In West Bengal, seven districts  -- Birbhum, Murshidabad, south Dinajpur, Burdwan, Nadia, Bankura and Malda  -- have been affected, but officials said the infection could be more widespread as they waited for test results of more birds.

The virus was also spreading to new areas within already infected districts and the state was finding it difficult to contain the disease.

"About 20-25 doctors from Kolkata have come here and each doctor is supervising 2-3 culling teams. Senior officers have been deputed to carry out culling operations and the magistrates of respective districts are also involved," said Subir Bhadra, District Magistrate of Murshidabad.

"Though till now no incidence of human infection of bird flu has come up, but as a precautionary measure, we have informed all our staff that if within 3-4 kilometers of the culling operations anyone is found with symptoms then the person should be immediately admitted and examined for the virus," Bhadra added.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Health Minister Surjya Kanta Mishra has rubbished media report that five people in West Bengal had been quarantined with bird flu symptoms.

Putting to rest fears of humans being infected by bird flu, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has said that people have been randomly tested in West Bengal's areas hit by avian influenza and all have tested negative.

About 160,000 poultry birds have been culled so far, while over 100,000 birds have succumbed to the disease. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata/Bhubaneswar, Jan 22 (ANI): Orissa Chief Minister Navin Patnaik on Tuesday said that his government was taking all precautionary measures to stop bird flu virus from entering the state.

"We have taken a number of precautions as far as bird flu is concerned enclosing the borders to those kinds of birds...also a number of our doctors from Orissa have gone to help in the bird flu in West Bengal," Patnaik said.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Health Minister Surjya Kanta Mishra has rubbished media report that five people in West Bengal had been quarantined with bird flu symptoms.

"We keep on sending samples from all districts, besides their surveillance wing, the NICD (National Institute of Communicable Diseases), has also been taking samples and there is no case of human infections from this," said Mishra.

Putting to rest fears of humans being infected by bird flu, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss has said that people have been randomly tested in West Bengal's areas hit by avian influenza and all have tested negative.

"Till date we have not got any confirmation for that (humans being infected by bird flu)," Ramadoss told reporters on the sidelines of a function here, adding that "there is no reason to be concerned of human cases of bird flu."

"We are all vigilant," he said.

So far, seven districts -- Birbhum, Murshidabad, south Dinajpur, Burdwan, Nadia, Bankura and Malda -- in West Bengal have been affected by bird flu.

About 160,000 poultry birds have been culled so far, while over 100,000 birds have succumbed to the disease. (ANI)
--MP

Margram (WB), Jan 22 (ANI): Resistance of villagers to culling of birds is hampering the fight against bird flu in West Bengal.

People in Birbhum District's Margram village resisted culling operations claiming that the compensation being awarded to them is low, slowing down the efforts to stamp out the disease.

"The government is saying that it is going to cull the birds, but we will not be getting the price that we get in the market, and so we are not ready to give up our chickens. The ones that are dying, we are packing them in polythene bags and discarding them," said Sameer Sarkar, a villager.

Villagers also blamed the State Government for not informing them about the hazards of bird flu, as they admitted to careless disposal of dead birds.

"We do not know anything about bird flu and the government has also not informed us about the disease. The birds are dying and we are randomly throwing them in ponds or wherever we can dump them," said Parvati Kundu, another villager.

The virus usually spreads through close contact with infected birds and their faeces.

Meanwhile, State officials have said that the outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal could spiral out of control, as the disease spread to seventh district in the State.

The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu was found in poultry in Malda District, infecting seven of the 19 districts in West Bengal. Other districts infected by bird flu are Birbhum, Murshidabad, south Dinajpur, Burdwan, Nadia and Bankura.

At least 24 million people live in West Bengal's seven affected districts. Officials worry that the virus could spread to humans and were collecting random blood samples from villagers.

Experts say the H5N1 strain could mutate into a form easily transmitted from person to person, leading to a pandemic.

However, the Centre has put to rest fears of humans being infected by bird flu.

Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today said that people have been randomly tested in West Bengal's areas hit by avian influenza and all have tested negative.

"Till date we have not got any confirmation for that (humans being infected by bird flu)," Ramadoss told reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi, adding that "there is no reason to be concerned of human cases of bird flu."

"We are all vigilant," he said.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya and Bihar have banned import of poultry from West Bengal and were checking chickens for bird flu. Nepal has also banned the import of poultry products from India.

About 160,000 poultry birds have been culled so far, while over 100,000 birds have succumbed to the disease. (ANI)
--MP

Barakartikchunri (West Bengal), Jan 22 (ANI):  Residents of a village in West Bengal have refused to hand over their poultry for culling, unless provided with electricity.

Villagers of Barakartikchunri village in bird flu affected Birbhum district, the epicentre of the fourth bird flu outbreak among poultry in India since 2006, gathered in a protest holding placards and shouting slogans.

The villagers lamented the deplorable conditions they live in.

Devoid of electricity, the village with a population of 1500, concurred it fit to demand electricity supply in exchange for their chicken.

Subodh Tili, a villager said: "Unless and until, we get an assurance from the electricity department that we will be provided power, till that time we will not handover any chickens."

Shahjamal Ali, the village head, said: "If the people cannot survive then what is the point." 

The deadly bird flu virus spread to a new district in West Bengal as authorities said on Monday villagers' resistance to culling operations and poor health awareness was slowing efforts to stamp out the disease. 

The H5N1 virus was found among dead birds in Bankura district of West Bengal. Now, seven of the 19 districts have been infected with the disease.

Around 20 million people live in these infected areas.

Only 125,000 birds were culled since last week and officials said they would need more time to slaughter over 500,000 birds.

Many farmers were still dumping dead birds in lakes and ponds, ignoring repeated warnings by health workers.

In some places, veterinarians were beaten up by villagers and thrown out of poultry farms. 

Clearly worried at the development, the rapid response team was increased to 400, with health workers from Assam joining the culling operation. (ANI)
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New Delhi, Jan 22 (ANI): Putting to rest fears of humans being infected by bird flu, Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss today said that people have been randomly tested in West Bengal's areas hit by avian influenza and all have tested negative.

"Till date we have not got any confirmation for that (humans being infected by bird flu)," Ramadoss told reporters on the sidelines of a function here, adding that "there is no reason to be concerned of human cases of bird flu."

"We are all vigilant," he said.

Meanwhile, the National Institute of Communicable Diseases (NICD) today said that all five human samples taken from West Bengal have tested negative. 

So far, seven districts -- Birbhum, Murshidabad, south Dinajpur, Burdwan, Nadia, Bankura and Malda -- in West Bengal have been affected by bird flu. 

About 160,000 poultry birds have been culled so far, while over 100,000 birds have succumbed to the disease. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan.21 (ANI): Fans of cricketer Sourav Ganguly today blocked the movement of a couple of trains in two sections of Eastern Railwayat Barasat in West Bengal's  North 24 Parganas District in protest against his exclusion from the Indian team for the triangular tournament in Australia.

The blockade started a little after 10 a.m., with protesters demanding that Ganguly be reinducted into the team.

Train services between Barasat-Bongaon and Barasat-Hasnabad sections were affected, an Eastern Railways spokesman said.

The selection committee had on Sunday dropped Ganguly, Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman, while announcing the squad for the tri-series which will also feature Australia and Sri Lanka.

Earlier in the day, the Board of Control for Cricket in India's (BCCI) Vice President, Rajiv Shukla, has defended the national selectors decision to drop experienced players -- Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly and V. V. S. Laxman -- for next month's triangular series in Australia, but said it was not the end of the road for them.

"They (the selectors) have struck a good combination in the form of both young and experienced players. And now, the game has many formats such as Tests, One Day and Twenty20. Therefore, we selected the best players for the tests, like Anil Kumble, Sourav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid, whose performances have been excellent," he said.

"The team has been selected keeping in mind the Australian conditions, but this does not mean that the players like Dravid and Ganguly have been dropped permanently from one-dayers. Whenever the selectors feel they need them, they would be chosen as well," he added.

Gautam Gambhir, who has cracked three centuries in the Ranji Trophy this season, has been included in the team, as have Suresh Raina, Praveen Kumar and Dinesh Karthik.

Suresh Raina, who last played an ODI in January 2007, and Praveen Kumar, the allrounder who played an ODI last season, benefited from good performances in Uttar Pradesh's Ranji Trophy season to make the squad.

Piyush Chawla, who was impressive during last year's tour of England, takes the second spinner's spot partnering Harbhajan Singh.

Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan, Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla and Pravin Kumar. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 21 (ANI): Union Minister of State for Health, Pana Baka Lakshmi, will review health projects related to bird flu in West Bengal today.

State Health Minister Dr. Surya Kantya Misra and West Bengal Government officials will attend the meeting.

Culling operations in the five districts of Birbhum, South Dinajpur, Burdwan, Nadia and Murshidabad are continuing in full swing.

Over 55,000 chickens have been culled in South Dinajpur alone.

The State Government has set a target of over four lakh poultry birds to be culled in the next few days.

Meanwhile, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Anbumani Ramadoss has clarified that there was no reported case of people being affected by the bird flu.

Ramadoss said that part of the problem in addressing the disease was its global scale.  

"We cannot stop birds coming from other countries. It is not only India's problem, as it has also spread to European countries and Africa," he added. 

As per the latest information, a total mortality of 98,254 poultry birds has been reported from Birbhum, Dakshin Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, South 24 parganas, Burdwan and Bankura Districts of West Bengal. 

High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL) report in Bhopal has revealed that a sample from Bankura District has also tested positive.  

A total of 64 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) carried out culling operation in Birbhum District and 38 teams in Dakshin Dinajpur District.

Sixteen RRTs were deployed in Murshidabad District for intensive surveillance.

A total of 79 samples have been already sent to the HSADL from Howrah, South 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Kolkata, Burdwan, Bankura, Nadia, Malda, Pashim Midnapore and Birbhum Districts.

One joint team of this Department and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already proceeded to Jharkhand and Bihar to monitor the situation on the ground there.  

Teams for an on-the-spot assessment of the situation in Orissa and the North Eastern States have also been constituted and are expected to move shortly to the respective areas.

A close monitoring of the situation is being done by the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries. (ANI)
--MP

Mumbai/Kolkata, Jan 20 (ANI): Fans reacted violently and took to the streets to protest against the selection committee's decision to drop Sourav Ganguly from 16-member ODI squad for the tri-nation CB Series to be played in Australia from February 3.

"Sharad Pawar should step down! Ganguly should be taken back into the team. We are going to protest against all this, we will take to the streets, we shall call for a shutdown," said Ratan Haldar, a protestor.

Bablu Haldar, another fan, who was a part of the protest said: "Ganguly has not been treated well by the selectors. He has been wrongly kept out of the team."

Meanwhile, BCCI secretary Niranjan Shah said that the selectors wanted a young side for the ODI series.

Talking about Ganguly, Shah said that he is a good player and should look forward to the other forthcoming series.

"I have nothing to say. He is a good player, great player. It is up to the selection committee. There are many matches still coming after this series," said Shah.

Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman have also been not recalled for the tournament, which also features Australia and Sri Lanka.

Gautam Gambhir, who has cracked three centuries in the Ranji Trophy has been included in the team, as have Suresh Raina, Praveen Kumar and Dinesh Karthik.

Suresh Raina, who last played an ODI in January 2007, and Praveen Kumar, the allrounder who played an ODI last season, benefited from good performances in Uttar Pradesh's Ranji Trophy season to make the squad.

Piyush Chawla, who was impressive during last year's tour of England, takes the second spinner's spot partnering Harbhajan Singh.

Squad: Mahendra Singh Dhoni (captain), Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag,
Yuvraj Singh, Harbhajan Singh, Robin Uthappa, Gautam Gambhir, Irfan Pathan,
Shanthakumaran Sreesanth, Rudra Pratap Singh, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma,
Suresh Raina, Dinesh Karthik, Piyush Chawla and Pravin Kumar. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Jan 19 (ANI): With the sample from West Bengal's two more districts -- Nadia and Burdwan - testing positive for bird flu on Saturday, the total number of districts hit by avian influenza has reached five.

On Friday, the government had confirmed bird flu in Murshidabad District. The deadly H5N1 strain of bird flu was first confirmed in Birbhum and Dakshin Dinajpur districts on January 15.

"Samples from four blocks of Murshidabad District (Khargram, Burwan, Nowda and Nabagram), one block of Nadia District (Tehatta) and two blocks of Burdwan District (Mongalkote and Purbasthali) have been found positive for avian influenza by rapid tests," a Union Agriculture Ministry release said.

"As per latest information, a total mortality of 96,010 poultry birds has been reported from Birbhum, South Dinajpur, Murshidabad, Nadia, South 24 parganas, Burdwan and Bankura districts of West Bengal," the release added.

However, the samples from South 24 Parganas, Cooch Behar, Purulia and Hooghly districts have tested negative for the virus.

Result of sample from Bankura District sent to High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal is awaited.

Meanwhile, culling operations gained momentum in the State.

A total of 64 Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) carried out culling operation in Birbhum District and 38 teams in Dakshin Dinajpur district.

Sixteen RRTs were deployed in Murshidabad District for intensive surveillance. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 19 (ANI): The Central Government has expressed its dissatisfaction with West Bengal Government's efforts to curb bird flu which  has spread to more areas in the State.

Minister of State for Health Panabaka Lakshmi said that the Centre was not "satisfied" with the steps taken by the West Bengal Government. 

State Animal Resources Minister Anisur Rehman claimed there were signs of "overall improvement" in the situation just a day after Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee described the bird flu situation as "very serious".

Rehman said State had a target to cull 400,000 chickens within seven days out of which 60,000 to 70,000 have been culled already.

He said trained volunteers armed with gloves, aprons and masks will carry the dead chickens and villagers are asked not to carry dead birds with bare hands, he said.

The deadly disease broke out in Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts of West Bengal and later spread to some new areas in the adjoining Murshidabad district.

Central officials said reports were negative for bird flu in Purulia, Cooch Behar and Nadia.

Meghalaya has sent blood samples of chickens for testing, following the outbreak of bird flu in neighbouring West Bengal.

Meghalaya Chief Secretary Ranjan Chatterjee said, "Extra check gates have been set up along the borders with Bangladesh and neighbouring states to check entry of infected birds."  (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 18 (ANI): West Bengal Government today described the outbreak of bird flu in the State as "alarming".

The State Government has targeted culling of 400,000 poultry in the affected areas to check the disease.

"For this, we have decided to increase the strength of the culling teams," Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee told reporters after his meeting with the National Disaster Mission delegation in Kolkata.

He said all poultry birds within 5-10 km of the affected areas would be culled within seven days.

"The biggest problem which we are facing at the present is the bird flu in Birbhum District. Here the number of affected birds is the maximum and also a government farm has been badly affected. Therefore we have to speed up the culling process. So far we have killed 40,000 birds and need to kill more so that this virus does not spread," said Bhattacharjee.

At least 60 teams of animal husbandry workers were working in the affected areas to cull the birds. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata /Ludhiana, Jan 18 (ANI): The bird flu outbreak in West Bengal has hit poultry traders in the northern parts of the country, and eggs and broiler chicken are being sold at throwaway prices.

The fear of the humans getting infected by the avian influenza has pushed down the sales of poultry products in Punjab.

The poultry owners are forced to sell eggs at extremely low prices. However, this has increased the demand for chicken.

"The prices of broiler have fallen to Rs 20 per kilogram for the last three to four days and due to the rumours spread by traders. However, Punjab is a very safe area in context of bird flu. But due to rumours the poultry farming is getting affected," said Gurudev Singh, a poultry farm owner.

Putting to rest the rumours, officials said Punjab doesn't need to be scared of the disease because of the organised poultry operations in the State.

The birds are given proper vaccination at regular intervals and in case of doubt, samples are sent to laboratories to check any outbreak of the virus, officials said.

Meanwhile, panic has gripped poultry owners in West Bengal as they incur huge losses due to culling of thousands of poultry to contain the spread of bird flu.

Poultry owners in Margram village say their businesses have been severely hit due to the disease.

"All our poultry farms are closed. We are not getting any orders from the markets. We used to earn a lot of money by doing this business, but now that earning has stopped. Poultry farms are not running anymore. My whole earning was completely dependant on the poultry farms," said Suchitra Ghosh, a poultry owner.

Ghosh added that though the government has announced compensation package for the affected poultry owners, it is not enough to cover their losses.

The village poultry owners estimate their losses to be about Rs. four million.

Many poor villagers foresee an uncertain future if the disease spreads.

"We are feeling scared. If the disease spreads to our area, we would be hit hard," said Soumitra Mondal, another poultry owner.

Meanwhile, the Border Security Force has alerted its units in all border districts like South and North 24 Parganas, Maldah and Murshidabad, to keep a strict vigil on the people crossing from Bangladesh and all their goods and bags are being checked meticulously.

West Bengal has sealed a stretch of its border with Bangladesh. Bangladesh has been fighting to contain the spread of bird flu since March last year.

This is the fourth outbreak of the H5N1 strain in Indian poultry since 2006. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 18 (ANI): The Calcutta High Court today held that acquisition of land at Singur for the Tata Motors car project was legal.

A division Bench comprising Chief Justice S S Nijjar and Justice P C Ghosh pronounced the verdict.

In February 2007, Joydeep Mukherjee had moved a writ petition challenging the acquisition of about 1000 acres of land.

Mukherjee and 10 other individuals and associations, who joined the case as added petitioners, claimed that the land had been acquired without following the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and the Land Acquisition (Companies) Rules, 1963.

Tata Motors started to build its factory in Singur in January 2007 to make the world's cheapest car. Last week, the much awaited one-lakh rupees car, Nano, was unveiled by Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata in New Delhi, which is likely to hit roads by October.

But the project has been mired in controversy with some farmers declaring that the government took their land against their will. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 18 (ANI): The Union Livestock Commissioner will hold meeting with the West Bengal Government today to review the bird flu situation in Kolkata.

State Chief Minister Buddhadev Bhattacharjee, along with other senior ministers will also attend the meeting.

A delegation of the Union Health Ministry has already reviewed the situation.

Joint Secretary of the Health Ministry P. Krishnan also had discussion with the administration of the bird flue affected districts Birbhum, South Dinajpur and Murshidabad.

The deadly disease broke out in Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts of West Bengal and later spread to some new areas in the adjoining Murshidabad district.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation (WHO) warned the outbreak in the state was far more serious than the previous pandemics in Manipur and Maharashtra.

The Centre has also asked the State Government to provide compensation to the farmers whose birds have been culled.

West Bengal has sealed a stretch of its border with Bangladesh, which has been fighting to contain the spread of bird flu since March last year.

Meanwhile, North Eastern states have also sounded an alert and sealed their borders to prevent entry of infected birds. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 18 (ANI): The Calcutta High Court will today pronounce its verdict on the petitions challenging acquisition of land at Singur for the Tata Motors car plant.

A division Bench comprising Chief Justice S S Nijjar and Justice P C Ghosh will pronounce the verdict.

In February 2007, Joydeep Mukherjee had moved the writ petition challenging the acquisition of about 1000 acres of land.

Mukherjee and 10 other individuals and associations, who joined the case as added petitioners, claimed that the land had been acquired without following the provisions of the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 and the Land Acquisition (Companies) Rules, 1963.

Tata Motors started to build its factory in Singur in January 2007 to make the world's cheapest car. Last week, the much awaited one-lakh rupees car, Nano, was unveiled by Tata Motors chairman Ratan Tata in New Delhi, which is likely to hit roads by October.

But the project has been mired in controversy with some farmers declaring that the government took their land against their will. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Jan 17 (ANI): The West Bengal Government has been asked by the Centre to take stern measures at village level to curtail the spread of avian influenza in the other parts of the country.

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said "we have asked the West Bengal Government to take corrective action in every city and village."

He said domestic and overseas poultry market has not been affected much by the disease, and added that there is no major impact on the market.

The West Bengal Government has already begun culling of the birds in 105 villages and over 3.5 lakh birds in Birbhum and 26,000 in South Dinajpur District have been culled. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan17 (ANI): Union Health Ministry has constituted a high-level team to review the bird flu situation in Kolkata, which is expected to start functioning from today.

As many as 55 teams of the State Animal Resources Development Department have already been deployed in around 105 villages of the Birbhum district to check further spread of bird flu.

The deadly disease broke out in Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts of West Bengal and later spread to some new areas in the adjoining Murshidabad district.

State Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rahaman said that over 3.5 lakh birds in Birbhum and 26,000 in South Dinajpur District were culled on Wednesday.

The Centre has also asked the state government to provide compensation to the farmers whose birds have been culled.

Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar said last evening that there were no reports of human beings infected with bird flu, and claimed that the situation was under control.

West Bengal has sealed a stretch of its border with Bangladesh, which has been fighting to contain the spread of bird flu since March last year.

Meanwhile, North Eastern states have also sounded an alert and sealed their borders to prevent entry of infected birds. (ANI)
--MP

Washington, Jan 17(ANI): Indian researchers at Jadavpur University in Kolkata have discovered that the Indian medicinal plant Acanthus or Harkach Kanta can effectively combat liver cancer.

Liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer in the world and about three quarters of the cases of liver cancer are found in Southeast Asia, including China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea and India.

The study led by Prof. Malay Chatterjee from Jadavpur University was conducted in an in vivo tumour-transplanted murine model where they examined the primary chemopreventive mechanisms of Acanthus.

The findings revealed that aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of the plant could effectively prevent hepatic DNA alterations and chromosomal damage in the mice.

The study further established that ALE treatment was substantially effective in elongating the mean survival of animals to a large extent by restraining the liver metallothionein expression, a potential marker for cell proliferation.

They also found that the Acanthus could be used as a potential chemoprotector against abnormal proliferation of cells in the liver.

The researchers believe if these studies are found to be really functional, it can open up the possibility of cancer chemoprevention with the use of indigenous plants herbal plants.

Acanthus plant is widely found throughout the mangroves of India, including Sunderbans in West Bengal, west coasts, and the Andamans, and in other Asian countries like Singhal, Burma, China, Thailand etc.

The study appears in December 28, 2007 World Journal of Gastroenterology. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi/Kolkata, Jan 16 (ANI): Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar today said that there have been no reports of humans getting infected by the bird flu after its outbreak was confirmed in West Bengal.

Pawar said he was confident that the authorities would succeed in controlling the outbreak of the avian flu in West Bengal's Birbhum District and South Dinajpur District.

"There is definitely a limited problem on the Bangladesh border, but we have taken immediate action. The country has faced twice this type of problem and we never tried to hide anything," Pawar told reporters.

He further said that the government is trying to concentrate the virus in that particular area and is confident that the situation will be normalised.

When asked whether any human infection has been reported, Pawar said "No not even one."

The government confirmed on Tuesday that the latest outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal was of the virulent H5N1strain.

Veterinary workers have begun culling of thousands of chicken in the State.

In all 55 teams of the State Animal Resources Development department have fanned out to 105 villages under Birbhum District, as culling of birds began today.

Animal Resources Development Minister Anisur Rahaman had on Tuesday said that over 3.5 lakh birds in Birbhum and 26,000 in South Dinajpur District would be culled.

West Bengal has sealed a stretch of its border with Bangladesh, which has been fighting to contain the spread of bird flu since March last year.

Meanwhile, North Eastern states have sounded an alert and sealed borders to prevent entry of birds into the region.

All the NE states sharing borders either with Bangladesh or with West Bengal have alerted the borders.

This is the fourth outbreak of the H5N1 strain in Indian poultry since 2006.

According to initial assessment, about 35,525 poultry in 102 villages of Birbhum District's six blocks and 288 poultry in a poultry farm in South Dinajpur District have died during the last one-week. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Jan 16 (ANI): International rights group, the Amnesty International, has accused the West Bengal government for clashes in Nandigram over farmland acquisition for an industrial hub.

"The people who abused, the people who attacked, the people who have taken recourse of violence to score some point, to establish their political domination were neither arrested nor taken to book by district agencies. The report also highlights the sense of deep insecurity and the frustration that was very much prevalent throughout Nandigram," said Mukul Sharma, Director of the Amnesty International. 

Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch said authorities in West Bengal were aware that party workers were collecting arms in the Nandigram area ahead of the November clashes but failed to do anything to stop it.

"In Nandigram, it was quite surprising that senior officials, the rank of district magistrate and Superintendent of Police, who in a district are the main agents of government. They were quite casual and open about saying that we don't have control over these areas and we couldn't access any of these areas," said Vrinda Grover, an advocate with the Supreme Court.

Amnesty International called for an independent and impartial inquiry of the trouble at Nandigram and said that the findings should be acted upon within two or three months.

"Failure to do so could trigger fresh trouble in the state as the chemicals project was being shifted to a new location. Victims of violence in Nandigram would be seen as not having got justice, Sharma said.

Nandigram has been the flashpoint of a conflict between farmers and the State Government since early 2007 over the refusal of the villagers to sell their land for a chemicals industry complex.

Nearly three-dozen people are known to have been killed and police have found several unmarked graves in the area. According to villagers, the toll could be much higher as people remain missing or deaths could have been concealed. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 16 (ANI): At least 17 people were injured in an explosion in the posh Theatre Road locality here today.

The blast occurred on the pavement outside the Hindustan Unilever building at around 9:30 a.m. during peak-hour traffic.

Glass panes of nearby buildings were shattered due to the impact of the blast.

Javed Shamim, Deputy Commissioner, Detective Department has however put to rest fears of a terrorist attack or sabotage.

He said: "Prima facie it looks as though the explosion occurred due to either a short circuit in the transformer lines or due to leakage in any one of the several underground gas pipelines in the area."

The Intelligence Bureau offices, the Nagaland House and several offices of private sector companies are housed in the area where the blast occurred.

A police force, along with a bomb disposal squad and sniffer dogs, was immediately rushed to the spot.

Security in the city is already on alert ahead of the Republic Day. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 16 (ANI): Three coaches of Dibrugarh-Amritsar Express derailed this morning near New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.

No casualty has been reported, but the rail traffic in the area has been disrupted, railway official said.

The last three coaches, including two unreserved general class derailed at around 6.20 a.m. between Magurjan and Aluabari railway stations, about 50 km from New Jalpaiguri.

New Jalpaiguri Assistant Operating Manager R K Jha has rushed to the spot. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan 16 (ANI): West Bengal will begin culling of over 3.76 lakh birds from today in the two districts of Birbhum and Dakshin Dinajpur, where presence of bird flu has been confirmed.

Culling will be carried out within a five-km radius of the affected area. Farms located within a 10-km range will be disinfected.

The Government of India on Tuesday confirmed the outbreak of bird flu after sample of dead birds from these two districts tested positive for the highly pathogenic virus.

West Bengal had sent the samples of dead birds to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal, to find out whether the death of poultry was due to avian influenza.

The laboratory found one sample, each from Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts, positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 Virus.

West Bengal has sealed the border with neighboring countries and also the affected areas so that there is no movement of animals across the borders.

The State Government has set up 60 rapid response teams for implementation of action plan in the affected areas. These teams are equipped with necessary protective equipments like masks and gloves.

The Center has asked the State Government to provide compensation to the affected farmers, whose birds are being culled, simultaneously when the culling takes place. The Center has also provided funds for the purpose.

According to initial assessment, about 35,525 poultry in 102 villages of Birbhum District's six blocks and 288 poultry in a poultry farm in South Dinajpur District have died during the last one-week. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): The Government of India today confirmed the outbreak of bird flu in West Bengal after sample of dead birds from two districts --Birbhum and South Dinajpur -- tested positive for the highly pathogenic virus.

West Bengal had sent the samples of dead birds to the High Security Animal Disease Laboratory, Bhopal, to find out whether the death of poultry was due to avian influenza.

The laboratory found one sample, each from Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts, positive for Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5 Virus.

"The outbreak of the disease appears to be localised," a Union Agriculture Ministry release said.

There is no report of unusual mortality or sickness in the neighbouring areas, in the State, it added.

The Center has already deputed officers from the Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying and Fisheries to advice the State officials.

West Bengal has also been advised to seal the border with neighboring countries and also the affected areas so that there is no movement of animals across the borders.

The State Government has set up 60 rapid response teams for implementation of action plan in the affected areas. These teams are equipped with necessary protective equipments like masks and gloves.

The Center has asked the State Government to provide compensation to the affected farmers, whose birds are being culled, simultaneously when the culling takes place. The Center has also provided funds for the purpose.

According to initial assessment, about 35,525 poultry in 102 villages of Birbhum District's six blocks and 288 poultry in a poultry farm in South Dinajpur District have died during the last one-week. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata, Jan.15 (ANI): Many Kolkatans have not been able to give up relishing Chinese cuisine despite the fact that many of its delicacies contain Ajinomoto, a Chinese salt that is used for flavour but widely known for its harmful affects on health.

Hundreds of office-goers and many local visitors in central Kolkata, where most of the offices, markets and other business establishments are located, can be found enjoying Chinese food at roadside stalls on weekdays.

According to the medical fraternity, the consumption of MSG or Ajinomoto stimulates secretion of pentagastrin acid in stomach that leads to ulcers. It can also lead to cancer.

"As for MSG, it has been found that it has got certain adverse reactions. It can be classified and affect any system and there maybe increase in heart rate, there maybe fall of blood pressure, sweating..... Because of that headache can increase, migranal headache and also, there maybe skin rashes," said Dr. Jayanta Dasgupta, Head of Gastroenterology Department at S.S.K.M Hospital in Kolkata.

Be it chowmein and chilli chicken as a combination or simply the fried rice, are one of the most preferred lunch packs among the office-goers here. 

Despite repeated warnings by concerned authorities, Kolkatans appear not much bothered whether their meal is Ajinomoto-free and safe for consumption or not.

"We, people from Calcutta, are fond of street food, so obviously, we like it," said Ayan Mukherjee, a regular of roadside Chinese food.

In 1908, MSG or what is known as Ajinomoto was first researched upon by a Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda at the Tokyo Imperial University. He identified brown crystals left behind after the evaporation of a large amount of Kombu broth as glutamic acid (mono sodium glutamate)

Although countries like China and Japan have banned the use of Ajinomoto in eatables, the chemical is still being indiscriminately used in almost all fast food preparations available in Kolkata, right from Chanachur to soups, chips and wafers.

Chinese food vendors on Camac Street admit using Ajinomoto but pretend using it minimally.

"We use Ajinomoto powder. But it is only 50 grams and that too for two days. If we don't use it, customers do not relish the food, as otherwise it does not give them a proper taste. In fact, there are certain customers who insist on Ajinomoto in their food," said Samhser Akhtar, one of the Chinese food vendors.

In a report published in 2004, the World Health Organisation (WHO) expressed concern over the usage of Ajinomoto (mono sodium glutamate) in Chinese Food and advised the consumers to avoid it.

Since Ajinomoto is being rampantly used as an additive by caterers of Chinese food in Kolkata, the report on observations by the WHO was sent to all concerned Government Departments with a note to institute remedial measures.

In fact, since 1970s, usage of Ajinomoto had become controversial, evident being the complications in the health of persons who had regularly consumed food with it. Implementing health safety standards had become a tough proposition, particularly, among the road side restaurants and makeshift food stalls. (ANI)
--MP

Kolkata/ Hyderabad/ Lucknow/ New Delhi, Jan 15 (ANI): A large number of people in different parts of the country took a dip in the Holy Ganges on the occasion of the annual harvest festival of Makar Sakranti.

In West Bengal, devotees thronged the Ganga Sagar, the confluence of Bhagirathi and Bay of Bengal, to take a holy dip.

Devotees who have arrived here from abroad too offered prayers to Kapilmuni. The three-day post harvest festival is also being celebrated in Andhra Pradesh with fervour and gaiety.

Being the second day of the festival, it has an astronomical significance, the beginning of Uttarayana. People pay their respect to their ancestors on the occasion.

For farmers, Makar Sakranti is the main festival as they bring stock of new grains to their houses and offer them to the God Almighty in the form of Pongali (sweetened rice).

In Uttar Pradesh, Sankrant is called 'Khichiri'. Devotees offered 'Khichri', a preparation of rice and dal, to various temples.

Traditionally, the people from within the country and adjoining Nepal come here to offer 'Khichri' to Baba Gorakhnath.

'Til' has a special significance on this day. 'Tilkut', 'Tilba' and other forms of 'Til' are also taken with 'Chura' and also with 'Khichiri'.

Tight security arrangements have been made to avoid any kind of untoward incident.

Special security arrangements have been made at Gorakhnath Temple in Gorakhpur where a month-long 'Khichri Mela' has begun today. (ANI)
--MP

New Delhi, Jan 14 (ANI): West Bengal has sent a bird sample to High Security Animal Disease Laboratory (HSADL), Bhopal after death of thousands of poultry birds was reported from Birbhum and South Dinajpur districts over the past one week.

Report from the laboratory is likely to be received by late night today or tomorrow.

"The State and Central governments are in constant touch and teams have been dispatched to the affected areas to take necessary steps to contain the disease," a government release said.

As a precautionary measure, trade in poultry bird in the two districts have been restricted, besides limiting the movement of birds in and out of these districts.

"Till the report from HSADL, Bhopal is received, it cannot be said whether mortality of poultry birds has been due to Avian Influenza or some other disease," the release said.

"In case it is found to be due to the bird flu virus, immediate steps as per the standard action plan will be carried out," the release added.

Meanwhile, necessary logistics are being put in place to be in readiness for any eventuality. (ANI)
--MP

Darjeeling (West Bengal), Jan 13 (ANI): The production unit of one of the biggest tea gardens - Longview Tea Garden -- in Darjeeling hills was gutted in fire today.

The fire broke out at 3 a.m. at the production unit in West Bengal's Kurseong sub-division.

Four fire brigades from Kurseong and Siliguri were pressed into service, but by the time they reached the spot most of the property had been destroyed.

The garden workers had also tried to control the fire, but due to the wooden architecture of the unit, fire spread rapidly.

"There were wooden floors so it easily caught fire," said Gurmit Mallik, Manager of Longview Tea Garden, Silliguri.

Fire officials said short circuit could be the cause of fire.

"There is maintenance work going on in the tea industry and maybe due to some spark that got in touch with the tea dust led to the explosion," said Bishnu Prasad Dhar, a fire brigade official.

No casualties have been reported as the unit was temporarily closed, but the
management estimated that the loss to property could be over 40 million rupees.

The tea garden used to produce 700,000 kilograms of tea annually, and 1206 casual and permanent employees work in the tea garden. (ANI)
--MP