Animal activists rescue 726 birds hurt by kite strings in Mumbai

Animal activists across the city arranged a medical camp from January 14 till January 16

Around 726 birds injured due to kite strings on Makar Sankranti were rescued by animal activists across Mumbai.

Animal activists across the city arranged a medical camp from January 14 on Makar Sankranti till January 16 where many specialised doctors were on board to rescue the injured birds.

The camp was organised at Virar, Bhayander, Mira Road, Dahisar, Borivali, Kandivali, Malad, Goregaon, Vile Parle, Charni Road, and Marine lines where highest number of people flew kites.

Speaking with midday, Mitesh Jain, Honorary district animal welfare officer of Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), and Trustee of Karuna Trust Virar (NGO) said, "Most of the people including kids are adults are flying kites for enjoyment but it's due to this many birds die. We had requested not to fly kites."

"We rescued around 726 birds across city who were found injured due to kite strings including pigeon, crow, heron. Four pigeons died due to injuries caused due to strings," Jain further said.

The Maharashtra government had earlier banned Chinese kite strings also known as Manja. However, it is still being used in Mumbai causing harm to the birds.