Mumbai: Over 900 birds survive death by kite string

A rescued bird with an injured wing; (right) Members of an NGO treats a hurt bird

As the weekend of merrymaking ended for us, the nightmare began for our feathered friends. Several NGOs across Mumbai rescued 922 birds stuck in kite strings that were entangled in trees, street poles, buildings and wires. It was the BMC's job to remove every single string stuck all around the city, but it failed to do its job, said the NGOs.

Rescuers said that they struggle to rescue birds stuck high on the trees and have to take the help of the fire brigade. They appealed to the citizens to remove strings they find by their windows or on the terrace.

Mitesh Jain, honorary animal welfare officer, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and trustee of Karuna Trust Virar, told mid-day that they have been carrying out the rescue operation since the past 16 hours. "However, we are not getting any help from the BMC to remove these strings. The BMC are maintaining roads, trees, street poles, but it does not bother to remove the kite strings."

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"On January 14, on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, we were flooded by calls about stuck birds. We arranged over 30 medical camps across the city, and rescued 21 birds. However, six of them, all pigeons, died, while three flew away after first aid, the remaining 13 birds are undergoing treatment," Jain said.

More than 650 birds have been rescued in Dahisar, Borivli, Kandivli and Malad areas alone.

"Despite the ban, Chinese manja was being sold indiscriminately in many places. It is thinner and sharper and both the animals and humans get seriously hurt," Jain said.

He appealed to the public, "Don't fly kites. It is not right to punish birds for your own pleasure. Makar Sankranti can be celebrated by eating sweets. Festivals are meant to spread happiness, not cause pain to others."