Mumbai: Over 600 birds, such as owls, crows, pigeons, kites and parrots among others, were injured during the kite flying festival since Jan 14. “A maximum number of injured birds, totalling 330, have been reported from the suburban areas of Dahisar, Borivli, Kandivli and Malad, where there was widespread kite flying during Makar Sankranti. The illegal Chinese manja and also the sharp glass-coated threads used for flying the kites often injured birds in flight,” said activist Mitesh Jain of Karuna Parivar group.He added that many birds like pigeons and crows were also badly entangled in the manja mesh dangling on tree branches and building terraces. “While people have fun flying kites in the name of tradition, the impact of the manja left behind can affect birds for many days and weeks ahead,” said Jain.At a special Jeevdaya Bird Rescue Centre started at Masjid Bunder, at least 20 large birds like eagles, hawks, kites were also rescued in the past three days. Honorary wildlife warden Pawan Sharma of Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW), said: “Riwild Sanctuary & Charitable Trust along with RAWW have also rescued birds. Glass manjha, Chinese manjha have been banned by the National Green Tribunal since 2016 due to several cases of injuries and deaths of birds, animals and humans, disrupting power lines, leading to electrocution.”Irrespective of the ban, the Chinese manjha is still used which has claimed several lives of birds, animals, reptiles and humans and continue to do so. Similarly, the other threads / Manjhas still in use also cause harm to people and animals especially when they are discarded irresponsibly.Helpline Numbers:Riwild Helpline – 7777083504.RAWW Helpline – 7666680202.Karuna Trust Virar – 9819477042HELP Animals and Birds Association — 93223 33338State Forest Helpline — 1926
