In Hyderabad, welfare groups rescued 561 birds entangled in Chinese manja last Sankranti, while many unrescued birds are believed to have died. GHSPCA reported that nearly half of the 150 birds rescued last year succumbed to injuries. In other cities, earlier reports showed over 1,000 birds injured in Mumbai and about 4,000 in Ahmedabad, indicating widespread fatalities.

Metro India News | Hyderabad  

Sahayog Organisation, a youth-based animal rights and welfare group, has appealed to citizens to protect birds during the Makar Sankranti kite-flying festival, warning that thousands of birds are injured or killed every year in Hyderabad due to the use of dangerous kite strings.

The organisation stated that kite flying during Sankranti turns fatal for many birds, primarily because of Chinese manja—glass-coated threads that slice through wings, flesh, and even bones. Rescued birds often suffer deep wounds, severe injuries, and embedded glass particles, while many others die before help reaches them. Sahayog also noted that humans are not spared, with several serious injuries reported due to manja.

Despite a ban on Chinese manja in Telangana, its continued use and sale remains a major concern. The organisation urged people to avoid kite flying altogether or use only plain, uncoated cotton thread that does not harm birds.

As part of its awareness drive, Sahayog appealed to citizens to dispose of leftover kite strings carefully, fly kites only in open grounds, and immediately report injured birds found on rooftops, trees, or power lines. Injured birds should be taken to nearby veterinary doctors or pigeon treatment centres.

Volunteers from Sahayog Organisation and N.S. Ahuwalia Animal Sanctuary will patrol Hyderabad on two-wheelers till January 16 to rescue injured birds. Citizens who spot injured birds or illegal sale of Chinese manja can contact the helpline numbers 9394005600 or 9105300059, said Mahesh Agarwal, General Secretary of Sahayog Organisation and Executive Secretary, District SPCA for Ranga Reddy, Yadadri, and Medak districts.