Kites sound death knell for birds; several injured

Makar Sankranti and kite flying go hand in hand across the country and while people enjoy the festival with much vigour, there are these birds who are at the receiving end during the festival.

Goregaon-based NGO, Samkit group is busy these days tending to the injured birds as kite flyers end up accidentally hurting many during Makar Sankranti. Glass-coated threads used to fly kites leave the birds with deep gashes, and at times, killing them. Pre-empting the situation, volunteers have set up a camp in Jawahar Nagar, Goregaon (W), to tend to the injured birds. The injured mainly include pigeons.

If members receive calls from other areas, they direct the callers to the nearest bird rescue centres.
Navin Solanki, who has been volunteering with Samkit group for the past six years, gives first aid to the birds and animals to ensure that they are not infected. The birds are then sent to a sanctuary to recover.

Volunteers of Samkit group can be reached on the 24-hour helpline number - 8655370005 / 8655370006.

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