The Delhi-based non-governmental organisation Wildlife SOS in collaboration with Eco Rescuers Foundation is conducting a free bird treatment camp in Malviya Nagar area of Jaipur, Rajasthan.

The four-day camp was set up as bird casualties during the festival of Makar Sankranti are the highest because of the use of glass-coated or ‘Chinese manjhas’ during the kite-flying which is part of the festivities.

These strings easily cut through the soft flesh of birds and cause damage to their wings and limbs. The camp which was started on January 12 was inaugurated by Ravi Arora, Chairman of Rajasthan Small Industries Corporation is equipped with a state-of-the-art medical operation theatre, medical facilities, and transport carriers for injured birds.

The veterinary team present on-site has so far treated 30 birds including several pigeons, a barn owl and an Indian flying fox (fruit bat). These creatures had suffered from lacerations, wing injuries, bone fractures, muscle tears, ligament tears, hypothermia, fluid loss etc.

Speaking to the media about the camp, Kartick Satyanarayan, CEO of Wildlife SOS said: “Rescuing birds who have been caught in the deadly manjha is a formidable task that needs to be carried out with the utmost caution. It is terrible that the threat of synthetic manjha continues despite a ban by the government. Using designated open spaces and choosing the cotton thread or natural fibre can help reduce the risks of related fatalities and save numerous lives.”