Fri Jan 16 15:43:24 UTC 2026: # Kite Flying Festival Turns Deadly for Birds in Hyderabad

The Story:
Following the Makar Sankranti festival in Hyderabad, numerous birds have fallen victim to injuries and death caused by kite strings, particularly the hazardous “manja.” Rescue teams and animal welfare organizations have been working tirelessly to save avian species entangled in the deadly threads. The article highlights the types of manja used, the species affected, and the challenges faced by rescuers in their efforts.

Key Points:

  • The kite flying season peaked during the three-day holiday period, leading to a surge in bird injuries and fatalities.
  • The Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency rescued a water duck from Yapral lake.
  • The Animal Warriors Conservation Society rescued 26 birds on Sankranti day alone, with 5 dying and 17 requiring shelter.
  • Various bird species, including river terns, green bee eaters, black headed ibis, and peafowls, have been affected.
  • Rescuers highlight the dangers of “Sky King manja,” a multi-cord thread coated with chemicals and glass powder, predominantly traded from Gujarat.
  • The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) reported the rescue of 58 birds.
  • Rescuing birds from high electrical lines requires power shutdowns, presenting significant challenges.
  • In one instance, rescuing a pigeon required shutting down a 133 kV line that supplied to three districts and deploying a boom lift vehicle costing ₹10,000 an hour.

Key Takeaways:

  • The use of dangerous “manja” poses a severe threat to avian wildlife during kite flying festivals.
  • Animal welfare organizations and disaster response teams play a crucial role in rescuing and rehabilitating injured birds.
  • Government regulation and control over the sale and use of hazardous kite strings are needed to mitigate the impact on bird populations.
  • Public awareness about the dangers of manja is critical to reduce the number of bird casualties.
  • The incident underscores the need for safer kite flying practices and alternative materials.

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