Over 1500 birds were injured in the city during the two days of Uttarayan. But the good news is that the number of birds getting injured has come down as compared to last year. Those working to rescue birds, say it is a combination of factors that are contributing to the trend. Moreover, less number of schedule-I birds including vultures have been injured this year and same is the case for migratory birds. Last year, over 2000 birds had been injured during the two-day festival.
The forest department, in all, received 1007 birds, of which 112 were scheduled –I birds. “Of the 112 birds, 3 died. Most of the scheduled-I birds were kites and some were peacocks too. In all, we received just 4 vultures,” said a forest official. The official added that some migratory birds including two to three flamingos were also injured.
“Most of the injured birds were pigeons. We lost some 30 to 35 birds but none were schedule-I birds,” said Harshad Shah of Namoh Namah, another NGO that was helping in bird rescue. He said a pelican and egret were among the migratory birds which had to be treated for injuries.
Shah said that his NGO received 445 birds during the two days of Uttarayan.
“Last year we had rescued around 700 birds, this time it has come down considerably,” said Shah.
He said rising awareness could be one reason. “One reason could also be that Eid fell on the same day. So, it is possible that many who participated in the processions did not fly kites. But these are just assumptions.
Although it is not yet time to rejoice as a large number of birds get injured a day or two after Uttarayan by getting caught in the manjas stuck on trees and other places,” said Shah.
Jivdaya, another NGO working for birds, got 207 cases of bird injuries of which, one was a vulture. The NGO did not get any case of injured migratory birds.
1,007 birds were received by the forest dept this year
112 schedule-I birds were received by the forest dept.
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