Avoid manja to save pigeons, says NGO

Sahayog an association founded to work for animal rights and welfare has urged people not to use Manja for flying kites in an effort to save birds during Sankranti.

In a statement, Mahesh Agarwal, Sahayog’s general secretary said that every January, Hyderabad sacrifices thousands of its birds for the thrill of kite-flying festival. The festival of kite flying, popularly known as Makar Sankranti,  proves fatal for thousands of birds. Injuries to birds are mainly caused by Chinese manja, glass-coated threads that cut though the flesh and bones of these birds.

Birds brought to Sahayog camp here have deep cuts, injuries and even glass pieces embedded in their bodies. With more kites competing for space with birds, the number of hits has risen over the years.