Karuna Abhiyan – A Life-Saving Initiative for Birds During Uttarayan
Karuna Abhiyan is a Gujarat Government & Gujarat Forest Department initiative conducted during and around Uttarayan to rescue and rehabilitate injured residential and migratory birds affected by kite strings (manjha). The 10-day campaign is hosted at the Wildlife Care Centre, Ahmedabad, where injured birds are brought in for treatment, recovery, and eventual release into the wild.
Key Operations:
- Rescue & Registration: All injured birds, including those under scheduled wildlife protection, are registered and tagged.
- Medical Treatment & Rehabilitation: Vets provide critical care and surgeries, followed by rehabilitation until the birds are fit for release.
- Wild Release: Fully recovered birds are reintroduced to their natural habitats.
Our Role:
For the past decade, we have been the only NGO invited by the Deputy Conservator of Forests (DCF) Ahmedabad to assist in:
- Registration Desk Operations: Ensuring proper documentation and tracking of rescued birds.
- OT Assistance: Supporting veterinarians during surgeries and treatments.
- Emergency Bird Save Call Unit: Coordinating with rescue teams and volunteers for swift action.
Impact:
- Thousands of injured birds are saved and rehabilitated each year.
- Helps in conserving migratory and endangered species.
- Strengthens wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
This initiative is a crucial step towards protecting Gujarat’s avian biodiversity, ensuring that Uttarayan remains a festival of joy, not tragedy, for our feathered friends. 🕊️