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Delhi kite flying bird injuries (Img AI Generated)
New Delhi: As Delhi celebrated Independence Day with colourful kites filling the sky, a tragic consequence unfolded for hundreds of voiceless birds. The traditional kite-flying celebrations turned dangerous as sharp kite strings, especially the banned Chinese manjha, caused severe injuries to birds across the national capital.
According to estimates, more than 800 injured birds were brought to bird hospitals and rescue centres across Delhi on Independence Day. Around 10% of these birds could not survive due to deep cuts, heavy bleeding, and serious injuries.
Dr. Rameshwar Yadav, a veterinarian at the Chandni Chowk Jain Bird Hospital, said that every year hundreds of birds lose their ability to fly permanently due to kite-related injuries.
The affected birds include pigeons, kites, crows, and parrots, many of which suffer severe wounds after getting trapped in sharp kite strings.
Officials from Jio Birds Hospital said Delhi has around 10 bird hospitals providing treatment to injured birds.
Rajesh Jain and NK Jain stated that more than 800 birds injured by kite strings were brought to these facilities on Saturday alone for emergency care.
Despite bans by authorities and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on synthetic and glass-coated kite strings, the sale of dangerous manjha continues in several markets.
Experts warn that discarded kite strings remain hazardous even after kites disappear, as they often get stuck on trees, buildings, and electricity wires, creating deadly traps for birds for months.
Environmentalists and bird activists have urged people to use only traditional cotton thread for kite flying and avoid flying kites during morning and evening hours when bird movement is highest.
They say celebrations should not come at the cost of wildlife and innocent creatures.
