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Gujarat's Karuna Abhiyan Saves Over 4,900 Birds During Kite Festival

Gujarat's Karuna Abhiyan initiative achieved a 91% success rate, saving 4,937 out of 5,439 birds treated during the recent Uttarayan kite-flying festival. The campaign mobilizes veterinarians and volunteers statewide to provide emergency care for injured birds during the peak season. This effort is integrated into Gujarat's broader wildlife protection framework, which includes the renowned Gir Conservation Project for Asiatic lions. The state operates a robust network of rescue units and conservation zones, emphasizing partnerships with NGOs and local communities.

Key Points: Gujarat Bird Rescue Saves 4,900+ in Karuna Abhiyan

  • 4,937 birds saved from 5,439 treated
  • 91% success rate during Uttarayan
  • Statewide network of vets and volunteers
  • Part of broader Gujarat wildlife protection
2 min read

Karuna Abhiyan: Gujarat's statewide compassion initiative saves over 4,900 birds

Gujarat's Karuna Abhiyan initiative treated over 5,400 injured birds during Uttarayan, successfully saving 91% through a statewide volunteer network.

"a unique initiative for compassion towards living beings - Harsh Sanghavi"

Ahmedabad, Jan 15

Gujarat's Karuna Abhiyan, a flagship state initiative aimed at rescuing and treating injured birds during Uttarayan when hundreds of kites are flown across the state on Makar Sankranti, has recorded significant success this year.

According to Minister Harsh Sanghavi, a total of 5,439 birds were treated across the state up to January 14, 2026, and 4,937 of them - nearly 91 per cent - were successfully saved.

The campaign, which mobilises veterinarians, volunteers and emergency response teams, focusses on giving injured birds a second chance at life during the kite-flying season, when incidents of bird injuries typically surge.

The minister described Karuna Abhiyan as "a unique initiative for compassion towards living beings," highlighting its growing impact and statewide reach.

Gujarat has built a robust and multi-layered framework to protect wildlife and safeguard animals through a mix of policy, conservation programmes, rescue networks and community-driven initiatives.

The state is home to India's only population of Asiatic lions, protected through the internationally-recognised Gir Conservation Project, which includes habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, radio-collaring, wildlife corridors and scientific monitoring.

Gujarat also operates a strong network of Wildlife Rescue and Rapid Response Units, supported by the Forest Department, NGOs and trained volunteers who respond to animal injuries, human-wildlife conflict and emergencies.

Initiatives like the Karuna Abhiyan mobilise veterinarians and thousands of volunteers each year during kite-flying season to rescue injured birds, while specialised centres such as the Jivdaya Charitable Trust, Forest Department hospitals and wildlife rehabilitation centres provide round-the-clock medical care.

The state has also expanded protected areas, including marine national parks, wetlands, desert ecosystems and community conservation zones, focussing on species such as lions, leopards, wild asses, flamingos and marine life along the Gulf of Kutch.

Gujarat's policies emphasise awareness campaigns, strict anti-poaching enforcement, habitat improvement, rescue hotlines, and partnerships with NGOs, universities and local communities, making it one of India's most active states in wildlife protection and animal welfare.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great work by the volunteers and vets! The 91% success rate is impressive. But we also need to push for safer, eco-friendly manja. The real solution is prevention. Still, kudos to the Gujarat government for this compassionate drive.
A
Aman W
As someone from Ahmedabad, I've seen the Karuna Abhiyan teams in action. They work tirelessly. It's good to see our tax money being used for such noble causes. Protecting wildlife is our dharma.
S
Sarah B
This is a fantastic model of community and government partnership. The article mentions the Gir lions too - Gujarat seems to be setting a strong example in wildlife conservation. Hope other regions learn from this.
V
Vikram M
While the rescue effort is commendable, the article glosses over the root cause. The sheer number of birds injured (5,439!) points to a massive problem. Celebrations shouldn't come at such a high cost to nature. We need stricter regulations on kite strings.
K
Kavya N
Jai Gujarat! 🦁 From saving birds during Uttarayan to protecting the Asiatic lions, our state is showing the way. Proud of everyone involved in Karuna Abhiyan. This is the real meaning of 'Ahimsa'.

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