Kite flying turns lethal for birds in Vadodara

VADODARA: Three birds entangled in the Chinese kite strings were rescued by Wildlife SOS Rapid Response Unit in Gujarat’s Vadodara during Makar Sankranti.
The three birds — a pigeon, a Barn owl and a Western Osprey — are currently being treated under the NGO’s care.
However, it’s not the two days of the festival that sees the most number of bird rescue calls. For a period of at least five months after the festivities, the number of cases involving birds getting injured by the kite strings is at a high, sources in the organisation said.
This happens due to improper disposal of the used kites and strings.
Coated with powdered glass, the deadly strings are meant to slash the opponent’s kite as part of the festivities. But this tradition is causing a rise in cases of bird injuries.
Avian species such as Rose-ringed parakeets, Barn owls, Black kites, Peregrine falcons, eagles, lapwings, peafowls and Sarus cranes often fall victim to these deadly kite strings. Even frequently seen birds like crows, pigeons and sparrows are not spared.
In 2022, Wildlife SOS-GSPCA rescued a total of 154 birds in January, 79 in February, 50 in March, 86 in April, 82 in May and 75 in June.
Additionally, the forest department rescued numerous birds between January 10 and 20. In 2019, the Forest Department rescued 1,356 birds, out of which 94 of them faced mortalities. Again in 2018, 1,216 birds were rescued out of which 90 eventually lost their lives.
Despite the illegality of 'Chinese manjha' and its potential impact on the avian population, it is still being widely used in Vadodara and its adjoining areas such as Parda and Karjan.
Raj Bhavsar, project coordinator at Wildlife SOS and President of GSPCA said, “We recently seized 36 illegal ‘Chinese manjha’ reels from Tilakwada village. In order to raise awareness and tackle this massive issue, we extensively organise awareness programmes in housing societies and schools. When it comes to rescuing the injured birds, our Rapid Response Unit is thoroughly trained to oversee that such cases are handled with the utmost caution.”
Kartick Satyanarayan, Co-founder and CEO, Wildlife SOS said, “During the kite-flying season, the cut-off strings can fall on trees, shrubs or electrical lines. Birds that use these areas for perching get entangled in ‘manjha’, struggling to escape. These strings are so sharp they can cut through the wings, flesh and bone of a bird, and even cause nerve injuries. Wildlife SOS recently launched an awareness film titled—Manjha Menace which highlights the impact of kite flying on birds.”
WIldlife SOS has advised — As birds tend to be more active during early morning or at dusk, refrain from flying kites during these times. Other measures such as using only plain, cotton threads can also minimise the risk. If one is aware of the nesting areas of birds, avoiding those places is absolutely imperative. Lastly, if by any chance you come across strings entangled in trees, carefully dispose of them. If you ever spot an injured or distressed bird, immediately contact the Wildlife SOS 24x7 emergency helpline (+91-9825011117) in Vadodara.