Nylon manja taking huge toll on birds, says AWCS

The Ameenpur-based NGO rescued 1,175 birds in 2024 even though 400 of them died during rescue and rehabilitation. Buyers and sellers urged to desist from using Chinese manja

Sangareddy: Nylon manja is taking a huge toll on birds, the Animal Warriors Conservation Society (AWCS), an Ameenpur-based NGO, pointed out.

The society alone rescued 1,175 birds in and around Hyderabad during 2024. Shockingly, 400 of them died at the time of rescue and during rehabilitation.

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This makes it evident how kite flying with nylon manja poses a danger to the lives of birds, the society said.

AWCS founder Pradeep Nair said at least 10 times more birds trapped in nylon manja at isolated places would have starved to death as they were never reported. Since kite flying season begins during the Sankranti festival, the AWCS has started sensitising vendors and kite flyers on the need to avoid selling and using nylon manja.

The AWCS has taken several students to its rehabilitation centre located near Bommana Kunta near Ameenpur to educate them on how nylon manja was harming birds. AWCS volunteers are also sensitising vendors not to sell nylon manja, besides warning them of its serious consequences.

The AWCS, with eight employees and four volunteers, has been responding to calls from across the State to rescue and rehabilitate birds, stray animals, and wild animals.

Pradeep Nair advised two-wheeler riders also to be careful while riding the vehicles on flyovers in Hyderabad. Since kites with nylon manja would dangle on flyovers, he feared bike riders may sustain injuries. During the last one month, at least six persons were injured after they sustained nylon manja injuries while riding two-wheelers, he said.

Citizens can reach out to the AWCS helpline on 96978 87888 to lodge complaints about rescuing birds and also call the Forest Department’s toll-free number: 1800 425 5364.