Injured nilgai dies after three days without veterinary care in UP

An injured nilgai died after drowning in a water-filled pit in Shravasti district, Uttar Pradesh, after suffering for three days without proper medical attention. The incident occurred in Tulsipur village under the Jamunha area, sparking allegations of negligence against the veterinary department.

Local villagers reported that the wild animal, commonly known as a blue bull, had been writhing in pain for three days before its tragic death. The village pradhan and residents had been attempting to care for the distressed nilgai during this period, hoping for professional intervention that never arrived in time.

Villagers have accused the veterinary department of gross negligence, alleging that despite being informed about the injured animal, officials failed to return for follow-up treatment. The lack of timely medical care left the already weakened nilgai vulnerable, and it eventually fell into a pit filled with water where it drowned.

Following the death of the nilgai, teams from both the forest department and veterinary services finally arrived at the scene. Officials have reportedly initiated proceedings in the matter, though the response came too late to save the animal. The incident has raised serious questions about the responsiveness of wildlife and veterinary authorities in rural areas.

The nilgai, which is protected under Indian wildlife laws, is commonly found across northern India. This case highlights the challenges faced by rural communities in securing timely assistance for injured wildlife and the gaps in coordination between villagers and official departments responsible for animal welfare and conservation.