Hyderabad Sankranti Festival Turns Deadly for Birds, Nearly 100 Injured
This year's Sankranti festival in Hyderabad proved more lethal than usual for the city's avian population. Rescue teams reported manja injuries to nearly 100 birds in just one day. Many of these birds belonged to rare, endangered, and near-threatened species that typically avoid festival-related dangers.
Rare and Endangered Species Among Victims
Animal rescuers expressed surprise at the types of birds injured this year. These species are not typically seen during festival-related rescue drives, indicating a significant shift in the danger pattern.
Among the rescued birds was a Peregrine falcon, a migratory raptor rarely spotted in the Hyderabad region. Conservationists also treated two Black-headed Ibis, an endangered species protected under wildlife laws. Several Indian Rollers, recently moved to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's near-threatened list, required medical attention. River Terns, another near-threatened species, also fell victim to the deadly threads.
Actual Numbers Likely Much Higher
Animal rights activists emphasized that the official injury count only includes birds that were successfully rescued. The actual number of injured birds is likely to be much higher, according to Pradeep Parakuth from Animal Warriors Conservation Society.
"Many cases go unreported or are discovered too late," Parakuth explained. He noted that even species not usually injured by manja, such as peahens and green bee-eaters, required rescue this year. These birds typically fly low or stay close to ground vegetation, away from traditional kite-flying zones.
"They are recovering well in our shelter home," Parakuth added. The fact that these low-flying birds sustained injuries suggests a wider spread and higher density of manja throughout the city. Dangerous threads now dangle from rooftops and trees, creating hazards even for birds that normally avoid aerial threats.
Severe Injuries and Recovery Challenges
Dr. Sindhura Pothineni, a bird fosterer from Hyderabad, described the nature of injuries. "Most birds sustained severe wounds," she reported. These included deep feather cuts leading to free falls, leg and neck injuries, and entanglement-related trauma.
Dr. Pothineni shared a specific case from Thursday. "Of four birds brought to me, one died during transport while three remain under my care. These included pigeons and doves. One may never fly again, but two are expected to recover fully."
Rescue statistics paint a grim picture. Of all birds attended to by rescue teams, approximately 25% to 30% succumbed to their injuries. Another 10% to 15% received on-the-spot treatment and immediate release. The remaining birds continue undergoing treatment at various animal shelters across the city.
Chinese Manja Remains Primary Culprit
Animal rights activists highlighted that most injuries resulted from Chinese manja. Despite police crackdowns reducing overall usage, injuries caused by this dangerous material remained alarmingly high.
Soudharm Bhandari from Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals provided specific numbers. "We rescued 58 birds total. Among these, 47 suffered injuries from Chinese nylon manja, while 10 birds were injured by cotton glass-coated manja. Only one pigeon was injured by normal cotton thread."
His group reported rescuing an Indian parrot this year, along with numerous pigeons, doves, eagles, crows, mynas, green bee-eaters, and owls. The variety of species affected demonstrates how widespread the danger has become.
Human Injuries Remain Minimal
While birds suffered extensively, human injuries remained scarce during Sankranti celebrations. Doctors reported treating only minor cuts, abrasions, and skin rashes. No severe human injuries were recorded anywhere in Hyderabad on the festival day.
Forest Department Maintains Vigilance
Forest department officials announced they will remain on high alert over the coming days. Sankranti celebrations typically continue through the weekend, extending the danger period for birds.
"Our team is still on the ground," a department official stated. "We encountered no major cases on the actual festival day. However, we continue patrolling kite markets and conducting awareness drives among citizens. Our primary goal is discouraging use of Chinese manja."
The department's ongoing efforts include monitoring kite-flying areas and educating the public about safer alternatives to dangerous threads.
