Gujarat's Bird Rescue Mission Achieves Remarkable 90% Survival Rate During Uttarayan
The Gujarat government announced on Monday that approximately 90% of all birds injured during this year's Uttarayan festival were successfully saved through a dedicated rescue operation. This impressive outcome highlights the effectiveness of the state's concerted efforts to protect avian life during the popular kite-flying festival.
Karuna Abhiyan: A Comprehensive Rescue Initiative
From January 10 to 20, the state conducted the Karuna Abhiyan, a special campaign focused on rescuing and treating birds harmed by kite strings and other festival-related hazards. During this period, a total of 16,380 injured birds representing 41 different species were rescued across Gujarat. Of these, 14,690 birds received treatment and survived, while unfortunately, 1,690 birds succumbed to their injuries.
Diverse Avian Species Affected and Rescued
The rescued birds included a wide variety of species, demonstrating the broad impact of festival activities on local wildlife. Among those treated were:
- Kites and eagles
- Parakeets and budgerigars
- Cranes and black ibis
- Doves and pigeons
- Owls and barn owls
- Bats and hawks
- Vultures and quails
- Swans and mynas
- Peacocks and starlings
- Green pigeons and tailorbirds
Notably, pigeons accounted for a significant majority of the injuries, representing 83% of all rescued birds with 13,636 pigeons brought to treatment centers during the campaign period.
Regional Treatment Success Across Major Cities
The government provided detailed statistics showing successful treatment outcomes in major urban centers:
- Ahmedabad: 7,040 birds treated with 6,532 saved
- Surat: 4,194 birds saved out of 4,800 treated
- Vadodara: 649 birds saved from 722 treated
- Rajkot: 553 birds saved from 676 treated
- Gandhinagar: 313 birds saved from 329 treated
Massive Infrastructure and Personnel Deployment
To ensure comprehensive coverage and timely intervention, the government established an extensive network of facilities and mobilized significant human resources:
- 450 collection centers for gathering injured birds
- 60 control rooms to coordinate rescue operations
- 480 treatment centers providing medical care
- 650 veterinary doctors offering specialized treatment
- 8,000 employees and volunteers participating in rescue efforts
The forest department appointed district-wise nodal and control officers to oversee operations and ensure prompt treatment for all injured birds. This organized approach contributed significantly to the high survival rate achieved during the campaign.
The success of Karuna Abhiyan demonstrates Gujarat's commitment to wildlife conservation during cultural festivals, balancing traditional celebrations with environmental responsibility and animal welfare concerns.
