Sankranti kite flying puts Hyderabad birds at risk despite Chinese manja ban
HYDERABAD: As the Sankranti festival approaches, animal welfare organizations in Hyderabad are preparing for their annual rescue operation to save hundreds of birds from injuries caused by banned kite strings. The Greater Hyderabad Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GHSPCA) has issued a public advisory, urging kite flyers to stop using illegal Chinese Nylon Manja and glass-coated threads.
Despite a nationwide ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal on January 13, 2017, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, the use of these hazardous materials continues . The threads, used in kite-fighting competitions, are non-biodegradable and sharp. Discarded remnants on trees, poles, and wires create a hidden danger for Hyderabad birds due to Chinese Manja long after the festival.
“Most of the birds take weeks to recover from the glass injury as it affects their ability to fly,” stated a veterinary doctor with GHSPCA. The consequences are often fatal; last year, the organization rescued 154 birds, but nearly 50% succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
Violating the ban carries severe penalties: imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both, as per Section 15 of the Act.
Chinese manja threat during Sankranti
GHSPCA’s annual rescue data indicates a persistent crisis. In 2024, 174 birds were rescued, and in 2025, 154. From 2017 to 2023, annual rescues ranged from 46 to 156 birds.
This ongoing toll highlights the challenges of enforcement and the importance of community support. “We have been doing rounds all over the city.We will be doing this till the end of the festival week,” said Soudharm Bhandari, Coordinator of GHSPCA.
The GHSPCA press note outlines essential guidelines for a bird-safe celebration. Stop using Chinese Nylon Manja and glass-coated thread. Fly kites in the afternoon when bird activity is lower and avoid night flying. Collect all waste thread and dispose of it securely. Remove entangled manja from trees and wires in your area. Do not try to cut a bird free with blades or scissors. Contact emergency helplines (8886743881, 9394578568) for expert help.
