Hyderabad's Bird Crisis: 200+ Injuries Despite Manja Crackdown
Despite a strong crackdown on banned Chinese manja, bird conservationists in Hyderabad report no let-up in bird injuries. Animal welfare and rescue organizations confirm they received close to 200 complaints about injured birds over the past few weeks. Many of these injuries link directly to manja entanglement.
Rescue Efforts Reveal Alarming Trends
Pradeep Parakuth, founder of the Animal Warriors Conservation Society, shared his team rescued at least 67 birds this season. He noted a steady daily inflow of injured birds. What worries him most is seeing species rarely affected by manja coming in with serious wounds.
Among the rescued birds were green bee-eaters. These tiny, agile birds typically avoid kite strings easily. Their injuries highlight how widespread and dangerous manja use remains in the city.
Most complaints originated from Malakpet, Begumpet, Himayatnagar, and Begum Bazar areas. These neighborhoods continue to see high incidents of bird harm.
Rare and Migratory Species Affected
Bird foster and rescuer Dr. Sindhura Pothineni reported several rare and migratory species suffered injuries. She listed Indian pitta, golden oriole, palapitta, blue-throated flycatcher, and blue-faced malkoha among the rescued birds. All had manja-related wounds.
In one distressing case, a blue-faced malkoha with severe injuries was found after colliding with a moving car while entangled in manja. Dr. Pothineni also recalled rescuing an Indian Roller, a species listed as Near Threatened. The bird struck a window and remained in shock for days. After treatment and recovery, it was released into Ananthagiri forest.
Enforcement Challenges Persist
The continued injuries point to significant enforcement challenges. Despite official bans and crackdowns, manja remains in use across Hyderabad. Conservationists stress the need for stronger public awareness and stricter penalties.
Rescue organizations work tirelessly to treat and rehabilitate affected birds. Their efforts underscore the ongoing threat manja poses to urban wildlife. The situation calls for renewed community action and vigilance to protect Hyderabad's avian population.
