Deadly kite strings turn festive skies fatal for birds: 422 injured in 2025 alone

Despite a ban on glass- and nylon-coated manjha, birds continue to suffer severe injuries every Sankranti season, triggering strong outrage from animal lovers.

Every year, the festive joy of kite flying during Sankranti leaves behind a grim reality for birds across the city. Sharp manjha threads, especially banned glass- and nylon-coated strings, continue to injure hundreds of birds, causing deep wounds, broken wings and permanent disabilities.

The problem peaks during Sankranti and the days that follow, when kite flying increases sharply. Though the use of dangerous manjha is prohibited, it remains widely available and is still being used, posing a serious threat to urban birdlife.

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Data from 2025 highlights the scale of the crisis. As many as 422 eagles were injured in just one year, making them the most affected species. In addition, 44 pigeons, 38 owls and 32 crows also suffered injuries caused by sharp kite strings.

Rescue volunteers say the injuries are often most severe at night, when birds fail to see hanging strings and crash into them mid-flight. Many birds are found with slashed wings, fractured bones and deep cuts around the neck and body. Several are left permanently disabled and unable to return to the wild.

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Animal welfare groups and bird rescuers have expressed anger and frustration over the continued use of banned manjha. They say poor enforcement and lack of awareness are undoing years of conservation efforts, even as mute creatures continue to suffer year after year.