Forest department officials in Vadodara confirmed a distressing situation on Wednesday. More than 160 birds suffered injuries across the city due to glass-coated kite strings, commonly known as manja, during the Uttarayan festival.
Rescue Efforts Save Many Birds
The forest department, working alongside several non-governmental organizations, sprang into action. They established multiple rescue and treatment camps at various locations throughout Vadodara. These camps provided urgent medical care to the injured birds and animals.
Officials reported that rescue teams managed to save and treat 137 of the injured birds. Unfortunately, the remaining birds could not survive their severe wounds and succumbed.
Variety of Affected Wildlife
The injured birds included a large number of pigeons. Specifically, 137 pigeons were among the victims. The list also featured seven kites and three parrots. Several crows were injured as well.
Beyond birds, other animals got entangled in the dangerous kite strings. Three bats and one squirrel also required medical attention after becoming caught in the manja.
Community Response and Awareness
The incident has highlighted the ongoing dangers posed by glass-coated strings during kite-flying festivals. The coordinated response between government authorities and volunteer groups aimed to mitigate the immediate harm. Such efforts are crucial for protecting urban wildlife during celebratory events.
This event underscores the need for continued public awareness about the hazards of using sharp or non-biodegradable kite strings. Many animal welfare advocates hope for stricter enforcement of regulations to prevent similar injuries in future celebrations.
