CUT STRINGS NOT WINGS!

Festivals mark the spirit of joy and celebration, they have direct and indirect impacts on people through the opportunities they provide for; participation, skills development and volunteering, one such hazardous effect of a Makar Sankranti festival was seen on Saturday.

Kite flying has always been part of the celebrations in North and Western India. However, with a rising number of kites in the air and a sharperthan-ever competitive edge in kite-fighting, what was meant to be a celebration of nature’s rebirth has transformed these locations into killing grounds for their local and migratory bird populations.

The increasing usage of glass-coated, especially nonbiodegradable ‘Chinese’ manjha (kite string) composed of metallic/nylon yarn with an abrasive layer of broken glass bonded over it, has exacerbated the situation. Birds cannot see this tiny string while flying, and thousands of them become entangled and are maimed or killed each year during the event. After the kite flying is done, coils of this sharp manjha are seen hanging from trees and lampposts, posing a menace to both birds and humans.

Over the last few years, the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) has been collaborating with government authorities and local NGOs to solve this issue. This year’s Makar Sankranti festivities included a continuous awareness campaign in conjunction with the youthbased organisation Raksha to educate people in and around Jaipur about the long-term impact of kite-fighting, particularly with Chinese manjha, on bird populations in the area.

RAKSHA NGO
Raksha is a youth based organisation, established by a small group of individuals inspired to start a movement and make lasting change to work against cruelty towards animals, to improve the health and welfare of animals, to protect the environment. Since its launch in January 2003, Raksha has rescued close to 15,000 birds, 1200 mammals and 6000 reptiles in and around Jaipur and released them into their natural habitats. It is the only fulltime bird and mammal rescue organisation in Jaipur.

HOPE AND BEYOND
Hope and Beyond is a social organization that is committed to conserving wildlife and is famous as Wildlife NGO in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. Our mission is to provide greater insight and appreciation of the natural world and the ways to protect it. We help to provide a haven to all animals in the wilderness. We have a team of committed, trained, and empathetic volunteers who excel in handling and rescuing reptiles and animals of feline, canine and avian family. Hope and Beyond strives to inculcate sensitivity about the importance of wildlife fauna among masses, especially the youth, by organising awareness programs, seminars, and symposiums.

ECO RESCUERS FOUNDATION
The Delhi-based non-governmental organisation Wildlife SOS in collaboration with Eco Rescuers Foundation is conducting a free bird treatment camp in the Malviya Nagar area of Jaipur, Rajasthan. The four-day camp was set up as bird casualties during the festival of Makar Sankranti are the highest because of the use of glass-coated or ‘Chinese Manjhas’ during the kite-fl ying which is part of the festivities. These strings easily cut through the soft fl esh of birds and cause damage to their wings and limbs. The camp which was started on January 12 was inaugurated by Rajiv Arora, Chairman of Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation is equipped with a state-of-the-art medical operation theatre, medical facilities, and transport carriers for injured birds.

SAAHAS FOUNDATION
Saahas Foundation is working for the conservation of animals for the last 5 years. Whether it is treatment or any problem related to food or organism. The team of organisation has worked even during the Corona period. Right now our NGO has set up bird medical camps at three places in Jaipur. And many birds have been rescued and treated using designated open spaces and choosing cotton thread or natural fi bre can help reduce the risks of related fatalities and save numerous lives.