The festive skies of Gujarat during Uttarayan brought joy to thousands of kite flyers but proved perilous for birds, with official figures showing that 5,439 birds were injured by sharp kite strings during the festival period. Of these, 4,937 birds—nearly 91 per cent—were rescued and treated by animal welfare teams across the state.
Data compiled under the state-run Karuna Abhiyan reveals that over the last nine years, rescue teams have saved more than 1.03 lakh animals and birds in Gujarat. Officials said timely medical intervention helped ensure the survival of the injured animals and birds attended to during this period.
According to media reports, figures released by the animal helpline number 1962 highlight a striking trend this year. While overall animal-related emergency calls dropped by 25 per cent compared to last year, bird-related emergencies surged dramatically—recording a 1,669 per cent spike when compared to normal days.
District-level data shows a sharp rise in distress calls during the festival. Ahmedabad witnessed an 85 per cent increase, Aravalli reported a 103 per cent jump, Surat saw a 75 per cent rise, and Jamnagar recorded a 54 per cent increase in emergency cases linked to animals and birds.
In Ahmedabad alone, emergency calls nearly doubled on Uttarayan. Against a daily average of 101 calls, authorities received 186 calls on the festival day, including 107 cases involving injured animals and 79 related to birds. Officials warned that bird injury numbers may climb further in the days following the festival, as injured birds are often spotted later.
Kite flying holds deep cultural significance in Gujarat, especially during Uttarayan, which marks the transition of the sun into the northern hemisphere. Families gather on rooftops, terraces and open grounds, engaging in friendly competitions as colourful kites dot the winter sky. The festival is as much about community bonding and celebration as it is about skill and tradition.
However, the growing use of dangerous synthetic and coated strings has raised concerns year after year. While awareness campaigns promote eco-friendly alternatives, experts say stricter enforcement and public cooperation are essential to balance tradition with compassion for wildlife.
The festival also posed operational challenges at Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport. To prevent potential hazards to aircraft, a 12-member special team was deployed to keep the runway clear of kites.
Airport authorities were quoted saying that nearly 5,000 kites were removed from the runway and surrounding areas during the festival period. The proactive measures ensured that flight operations continued smoothly, with no disruption to take-offs or landings despite heavy kite-flying activity in nearby areas.
Also Read: Ahmedabad Medical Association Issues Kite Flying Guidelines for Uttarayan Festival https://www.vibesofindia.com/ahmedabad-medical-association-issues-kite-flying-guidelines-for-uttarayan-festival/
