The tradition of kite flying is turning out to be deadly for the birds especially Eagle species in Chandigarh.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, which has been working to prevent cruelty to animals and provide relief to injured birds and animals in union territory of Chandigarh, has been receiving many cases of birds injuries due to kite string.
At present, the SPCA hospital premises in Sector 38 here houses atleast 18 injured eagles and three hawks, maximum of them suffering injuries due to the kite string.
The banned Chinese manja, a nylon thread coated with powdered glass, used to fly kites is deadly for the birds and causes injuries mostly related to the wings, fractures and, worst of all, complete amputation of the wing.
In the past, the sharp kite strings have proved lethal for humans as well but despite a ban on its sale and use, the dangerous Chinese manja continues to be used by kite –flyers.
“At present, there are 18 eagles and 3 hawks in the premises. Most of them suffered injuries due to the sharp kite strings,” Gurmeet Singh, supervisor at SPCA, Sector 38 here told The Pioneer.
Elaborating about such cases, SPCA Inspector Dharminder Dogra said that these cases are being reported from past few years from both Chandigarh and nearby areas. People bring injured birds to the SPCA premises and sometimes, we receive calls regarding such injured birds and our team brings them to the premises for the treatment, he said.
“Kite string usually causes injuries to wings, neck and legs. Out of 18 eagles, two have recovered and have started flying in the cage. These two eagles will be released soon,” he said.
“Most of these eagles were injured after they were entangled in the kite strings while flying. Hawks also suffer injuries due to the kite strings and at present, there are three injured hawks in the premises,” Dogra added.
He further said, “We have observed that most of the birds with wing injuries recover in a month or sometimes more. The eagles which die due to such injuries are being handed over to the UT Forests and Wildlife Department.”
The SPCA premises has 38 injured pigeons as well but the reason of injuries were different in their case, he added.
In India, the kite flying is associated with various celebrations and festivals. And, it is during the kite flying occasions when the cases of bird injuries due to Chinese manja witness a sharp rise.
Not only eagles but sometimes, migratory birds have also fallen prey to the sharp kite string.
While the SPCA is taking care of the injured birds and ensuring their safe release, there is no denying that in absence of an avian expert there, no record is being maintained of the kind of injuries suffered, age of injured eagles, recovering time and other details.
TK Roy, ecologist and Asia Waterbird Census (AWC) Delhi state-coordinator while talking to The Pioneer said, “Raptors like Eagles, Hawks among others fly high in the sky and are known for their speed, maneuverability and diving landing approach. All such factors make them more vulnerable to fatal injuries due to kite string.”
“In states like Gujarat and Rajasthan where kite flying competitions are being held annually, cases of bird injuries due to sharp kite string are reported in huge numbers. Recovery time for injuries due to kite string depends on individual cases. Such cases depend on factors like type of injuries, age of bird and treatment provided,” Roy said.
“Eagles can live for more than 10 years and the younger ones can recover in weeks to a month’s time in case of minor injury to the wings. Some birds do not recover fully from injuries to their wings and do not fly at all while many others with serious injuries need surgery. Bird deaths have also been reported in large numbers due to the Chinese manja and there is a need to spread awareness about its danger to the birds as well as humans,” he added.
