Makar Sankranti Celebrations Turn Tragic for Jaipur's Bird Population
The festive spirit of Makar Sankranti took a dark turn in Jaipur on Wednesday. Hundreds of birds suffered serious injuries across the city. They became entangled in dangerous kite strings known as manjha.
Rescue Camps Overwhelmed by Influx of Injured Birds
From the early morning hours, bird rescue camps faced a crisis. Locations at Ram Niwas Bagh, Vaishali Nagar, Jawahar Circle, and Raja Park saw continuous activity. Volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day.
They carried injured birds in whatever containers they could find. Shoe boxes and cartons became makeshift ambulances. The number of cases quickly overwhelmed available resources.
Rescue teams made difficult triage decisions. They focused their efforts on birds with the best chances of survival. Distress calls kept coming from all parts of the city.
Severe Injuries Require Complex Medical Intervention
The injured birds represented various species. Parakeets, pigeons, kites and painted storks all suffered harm. Many birds displayed deep cuts on their wings, necks and feet.
The glass-coated strings caused particularly devastating damage. Several birds had severed tendons. Others showed exposed bones from the razor-sharp manjha.
Veterinarians performed multiple surgeries on the most critical cases. Many birds required amputations to save their lives. These birds will likely spend their remaining days in rehabilitation camps.
Their injuries permanently prevent them from flying again.
Medical Professionals Describe the Devastating Impact
Dr Mathew Randle, a veterinarian from London, worked extensively at the Ram Niwas Bagh camp. He performed surgeries throughout the busy day. The doctor expressed concern about the dangerous nature of these kite strings.
"Some cuts go so deep they reveal the true danger of manjha," Dr Randle explained. "This material can slice down to bone, posing risks to humans as well."
He detailed the careful treatment process for injured birds:
- Disinfecting the wound area thoroughly
- Removing damaged tissue with precision
- Controlling any bleeding effectively
- Stitching wounds using specialized bird sutures
This protocol aims to minimize pain during recovery.
Rescue Workers Face Emotional Challenges
Rohit Gangwal of the RAKSHA organization described the heartbreaking situation. Birds arrived at rescue centers without pause throughout the day. Most suffered from deep wounds that threatened their lives.
"Immediate treatment becomes crucial for survival," Gangwal emphasized. "Without prompt medical attention, these injuries often prove fatal."
The scale of the problem highlighted ongoing concerns about festival safety. Traditional celebrations sometimes clash with wildlife protection needs. This incident has sparked conversations about responsible celebration practices.
