Surat's Intensive Bird Rescue Effort Saves Nearly Two Thousand Avian Lives
The forest department in Surat district launched a focused five-day operation to rescue and treat injured birds. This drive formed a crucial part of the statewide animal welfare initiative called Karuna Abhiyan–2026. Running from January 10 to January 14, the campaign mobilized multiple non-governmental organizations and their dedicated volunteers.
Round-the-Clock Rescue Operations During Festival Season
Teams worked tirelessly day and night to save birds harmed primarily by the Uttarayan festivities. The popular kite-flying celebrations unfortunately led to a significant number of avian injuries and deaths. Volunteers responded to numerous emergency calls throughout the period.
Officials released detailed statistics from the rescue drive:
- Total birds rescued: 1,841 individuals
- Number of species represented: 17 different types
- Birds found dead: 211 fatalities
Diverse Species Affected by Kite-Flying Activities
The rescued birds included a wide variety of local and regional species. The list encompassed common urban birds alongside some less frequently seen varieties.
Among the rescued were:
- Pigeons
- Black kites
- Mynas
- Crows
- Parrots
- Egrets
- Black ibises
- Owls
- Bats
- Water birds
- Lapwings
- Cuckoos
- Peacocks
- Cockatiels
- Sparrows
- Other common regional species
Alarming Fatality Numbers Highlight Pigeon Vulnerability
Forest department officials expressed particular concern about the mortality figures. Of the 211 birds found dead, a staggering 203 were pigeons. This statistic underscores the extreme vulnerability of these birds during the kite-flying season.
The injury breakdown revealed additional concerning numbers:
- 77 crows sustained injuries
- 16 parrots required treatment
- 12 cuckoos were among the wounded
Volunteers Report Increased Emergency Calls This Year
Darshan Desai, a volunteer with Prayas Team Environment, shared concerning observations. "The number of emergency calls, bird injuries, and fatalities increased this year," Desai stated. He emphasized the urgent need for greater public awareness about safe kite-flying practices.
Multiple NGOs participating in the rescue drive voiced serious concerns about hazardous materials. They specifically highlighted the dangers posed by synthetic and glass-coated kite strings. These materials have been directly linked to injuries and deaths among both bird populations and humans.
Statewide Campaign Provides Comprehensive Wildlife Support
The forest department clarified that Karuna Abhiyan represents a comprehensive Gujarat-wide campaign. The initiative provides three essential services for affected wildlife:
- Emergency rescue operations
- Immediate medical treatment
- Long-term rehabilitation support
In Surat specifically, the rescue initiative will continue through January 20. This extension ensures ongoing support for wildlife affected during the extended festival period.
Authorities Issue Safety Appeal to Citizens
Local authorities made a direct appeal to residents regarding festival safety. They urged citizens to avoid using hazardous kite strings that endanger both birds and people. Officials also requested that people immediately report injured birds to designated rescue helplines.
The forest department emphasized that community cooperation remains vital for protecting urban wildlife. They stressed that responsible celebration practices can significantly reduce harm to local bird populations during traditional festivals.
