Gujarat Mobilizes Massive Rescue Operation for Birds Ahead of Makara Sankranti
The Gujarat government has launched an extensive rescue campaign called Karuna Abhiyan. This initiative aims to protect thousands of birds and cattle during the upcoming Makara Sankranti festival. The festival, celebrated on January 14-15, sees widespread kite flying across the state.
Large-Scale Infrastructure for Animal Welfare
Authorities have established a robust network to handle emergencies. They set up 85 control rooms and over 480 treatment centres throughout Gujarat. More than 740 veterinary doctors are participating in this effort. Approximately 8,500 officials and volunteers are working across 450 collection centres. These personnel provide immediate care to injured birds and unwell cattle.
The campaign started on January 10 and will continue until January 20. The Forest and Environment Department and the Animal Husbandry Department jointly launched Karuna Abhiyan. They coordinated with various voluntary organizations to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Addressing Festival-Related Hazards
During Makara Sankranti, birds frequently suffer injuries from kite strings. Many birds get entangled or cut by these sharp strings. Simultaneously, devotees often feed cattle different food items. This practice can lead to food poisoning or other health issues in the animals.
The state government runs Karuna Abhiyan annually to mitigate these problems. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia highlighted the campaign's impact. He stated that over 1.12 lakh birds and animals have been rescued in the last nine years.
Public Appeals and Safety Measures
Minister of State for Forest and Environment Pravin Mali made specific requests to the public. He urged people to avoid flying kites during sunrise and sunset. These periods see peak bird activity in the sky, increasing collision risks. Mali also appealed for the avoidance of Chinese manja, a dangerous type of kite string.
The government has established helplines for public assistance. People can call 1962 for help with injured birds or unwell animals. A dedicated wildlife helpline operates at 8320002000. Individuals can also send a "Hi" message via WhatsApp to this number. They will receive information about the nearest bird treatment centres.
This proactive approach demonstrates Gujarat's commitment to wildlife conservation during festive seasons. The campaign emphasizes compassion and practical solutions to protect vulnerable species.
