Bird deaths rise despite Chinese manja ban in Telangana

Despite a ban on Chinese manja, bird injuries and deaths have risen across Telangana during the kite flying season. Animal Warriors Conservation Society rescued 130 birds in January, highlighting continued use of the banned thread and lack of enforcement.

Sangareddy: Despite a ban on Chinese manja, the number of birds trapped in the lethal thread has increased significantly this year compared to the previous year, indicating that its use continues unabated across Telangana. Animal Warriors Conservation Society (AWCS), which undertakes bird rescues apart from other animal rescue operations, has rescued 130 birds trapped in Chinese manja from January 1 to 22 this month. In contrast, the organisation rescued 119 birds during the entire month of January last year.

January is considered the peak season for kite flying across India, and such incidents are reported every year during this period. Of the birds rescued this month, 22, including a rare peregrine falcon, died after sustaining grievous injuries. As many as 113 birds are currently undergoing treatment at the AWCS rehabilitation centre near Patancheru.

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Of the 130 birds rescued, 70 were found hanging from trees and overhead electric line wires after getting entangled in manja. In one case, AWCS found maggots on a peregrine falcon after receiving an alert several days after the bird had been trapped and left hanging. The organisation said hundreds of similar incidents go unnoticed across the State as birds often remain trapped for days in isolated locations. Due to lack of public awareness, many such cases go unreported every year.

Peregrine falcon, barn owl, painted stork, green bee eater, lesser whistling duck, black shouldered kite, flying fox and golden oriole were among the rare birds trapped in manja this month. Unless strict action is taken against manja manufacturers, AWCS founder Pradeep Nair warned that bird deaths would continue in the coming years. He said years of efforts by government agencies and non governmental organisations had yielded little success so far.

At least two persons have died in Telangana after sustaining injuries on coming into contact with manja, while several others suffered serious injuries.