Every year, the Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) works hard to save birds injured by kite strings. These injuries happen more often during the Sankranti festival when many people fly kites using dangerous threads.
Threads like Chinese Nilon Manja and glass-coated threads are commonly used but can cause severe harm to birds. These threads can trap or cut birds, leading to serious injuries or even death. In 2024 alone, GHSPCA rescued 174 injured birds, but sadly, not all of them survived.
One of the biggest problems is that these harmful threads often get stuck in trees. Birds flying nearby can get entangled, leading to painful injuries. To prevent this, it is important to fly kites responsibly and take precautions.
Tips to Protect Birds:
1. Fly kites in the afternoon when birds are less active in the sky.
2. After flying kites, clean up leftover threads and dispose of them in a dustbin.
3. If a bird gets stuck in a thread, do not try to cut the thread yourself. This can worsen the injury. Instead, call animal rescue helpers for assistance.
4. Avoid flying kites at night when birds are more active.
5. Stay away from using dangerous threads like Chinese Manja, as they are harmful to birds.
Emergency Contact:
If you see an injured bird, immediately reach out for help. You can contact Soudharm Bhandari from GHSPCA at 8886743881 or 9394578568.
This Sankranti, let’s all do our part to protect birds and ensure they stay safe while we enjoy the festival!
