Independence Day celebrated with fervour may have passed, but many feathered friends injured by glass-coated manjha continue to writhe in pain. A visit to the Charity Bird Hospital in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk reveals that in the past few days the centre has been getting at least ten birds per day on an average, majorly injured or tender bones being broken by the hazardous manjha.
“These injured birds are receiving treatment at our hospital as in many others. They often fall victim to hazardous strings, suffering painful injuries and even succumbing,” said Dr Har Avtar Singh, a vet with the hospital.
“Ahead of the Independence Day and festivals like Rakshabandhan birds such as crows, pigeons, pariah kites, rose-ringed parakeets, barn owls, and even vultures get injured by manjha. There is an urgent need for increased awareness among the public and responsible kite flying practices to protect our avian companions,” he said.
As even after first aid treatment, these voiceless creatures may take up to several days or months to recover fully, said Dr Singh, adding many succumb also to the trauma or bruises.
For those who rescue injured birds, Dr Singh has a word of advice: Don’t apply turmeric, iodine, or ointments, as these are ineffective.
“Avoid pulling out the string if the wound has clotted, as this can exacerbate blood loss. Instead, wrap the bird in a cloth and transport it to a veterinarian or contact a local animal welfare group for proper care,” he said.
The dangers of glass-coated manjha extend beyond avian injuries. The thread can become entangled in electrical wires leading to electrocution of those who come into contact with it. “We have issued advisories against using such manjha, as it poses severe risks when caught in electrical wires,” said an official from the BSES, Yamuna Power Limited.
“Kite flying can quickly turn dangerous, even fatal, with the use of metal-coated manjha, a potent conductor of electricity,” it said. Also, there have been cases of people getting hurt from strings. “People walking or riding bicycles can suffer severe cuts if they come into contact with manjha. Strings can damage vehicle tires or injure drivers, leading to crashes.
Pets and stray animals can also be harmed by manjha, leading to serious injuries or even death,” said Manisha Maan, a former journalist.
Despite a ban imposed by the Delhi Government on all forms of manjha and a National Green Tribunal order prohibiting synthetic and nylon manjha, the hazardous strings continue to be sold.
Over the past few days, the Delhi police have arrested more than 90 individuals and registered FIRs against them for the illegal sale of this dangerous kite string. “These legal actions are part of ongoing efforts to curb the use of manjha, especially during festivals and Independence Day celebrations when kite flying is particularly popular. These businessmen are nefariously importing these banned products. There is a need for stricter enforcement and public awareness as these manjha leads to accidents,” said Suhaib Farooqui, Senior Inspector with Delhi Police.
Kartick Satyanarayan from Wildlife SOS urged kite fliers to use only plain cotton threads and to responsibly dispose of any discarded strings found entangled in trees. “Kite flying should be done in open areas and avoid times when birds are most active. Steering clear of known nesting sites can also help mitigate risks,” he advised.
Even if birds survive initial injuries, the lacerations and embedded glass can lead to infections and chronic health problems. Healing is often slow and complicated, making survival difficult, said Kartick.
Hence, as we enjoy our festivities, it is crucial to recognize and address the serious threats posed to our voiceless avian companions, ensuring both their safety and that of our communities, he said.
Anguished by the plight of birds injured by reckless kite flyers, Anjana Kashyap, a devoted bird lover from Mayur Vihar Phase 2, Delhi, has proposed a novel approach to address the issue. She suggested that those found guilty of selling hazardous manjha should be asked by the courts to perform community service in bird injury hospitals.
Kashyap believes that such an experience would heighten their awareness of the harm their products cause. “Working directly with injured birds could sensitise the accused individuals’ understanding of the suffering inflicted by manjha,” she asserted.
Dr Har Avtar agreed with the suggestion. He said, “Witnessing the consequences firsthand might foster a deeper comprehension of the impact of their actions and the critical need for safer kite-flying practices.”
It can also foster a sense of responsibility and empathy, which might influence future behavior, he said adding that “this approach might draw public attention to the serious issues associated with manjha and promote greater awareness of its adverse impact on wildlife.”
