50 birds injured on Lohri, Makar Sankranti; kite strings to blame

Residents here are usually seen feeding birds in various areas of the city, but ironically they seem to forget them during Lohri and Makar Sankranti celebrations when they enjoy kite flying, caring little about these birds getting injured by the strings. The contrast in the concern shown by the people here is very much noticeable a day before and after the celebrations of these festivals.

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Fifty birds were treated at the bird rescue centre located at the Pracheen Gaushala recently. A volunteer, who treated them, said that 50 injured birds were brought to their centre in just two days of festivities. “All were injured by kite strings and the worst culprit is the Chinese kite string, which has resulted in serious injuries to many earlier also,” he maintained.

He further said that the birds were still under treatment at the centre and would be able to fly once they fully recover. “How painful is for a bird to lose wings. People should be mindful while flying kites and if they see any bird injured, then it should be immediately given first-aid treatment,” he added.

Nine-year-old Pareeksh, who had come to Govind Gaudham on Makar Sankranti to offer fodder to the cows, was taken aback after seeing the injured birds. “Nobody ever told me that kite strings can cause harm to birds. It is very sad to see them in pain. I will never fly kites,” he pledged.

Jatin Chawla, a city resident and a bird lover, said that he had seen many people offering grains to birds. “Many come on Ferozepur road, Rakh Bagh, etc. to feed the birds, but when it comes to caring about them, they seem little bothered. Feeding the birds does not end the responsibility, but they should also care about them,” he added.

Dr Sandeep Jain of the People for Animals organisation said that kite strings, especially the Chinese string, proves fatal for humans, birds and animals. “It is not only the 50 birds that got injured in a short span of two days, but the numbers might be more as many cases were not reported. It is my appeal to the people to help the birds if they find one injured,” he said.

He further said that instead of merely imposing a ban on the Chinese kite string, the government should take strict action against those who are selling and buying it. People should understand their moral responsibility and not buy Chinese string. Show love to birds and save them from the fatal kite strings,” he said.