speech on problems faced by Birds during Kite Festival
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The kite festival of Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) is regarded as one of the biggest festivals celebrated in western part of India. It marks the transition of the sun into the zodiacal sign of Makara (Capricorn) on its celestial path. The day is also believed to mark the arrival of spring in India. The tradition of kite flying is believed to have started amongst the kings and royalties, however over the years, it became a popular sport and began to reach the common mass. Kite flying during Uttarayan is now celebrated as a regional event.
Kites flown these days are known to use a strong special string which is made by applying glass powder on it (known as Manjha) to provide it a cutting edge. This practice of using an abrasive thread for kite fighting has posed a great threat to species including birds, fruit-bats, macaques and even humans. The impact on birds however is much larger. Birds when in flight, fail to notice the fine glass-coated thread, get entangled and injured even causing fractures, mutilation of wings and nerve injuries. At times, the minute glass pieces used in manjha get embedded in their bodies adding to the misery and eventual death. Additionally, these strings unlike their cotton counterpart do not lose its strength even after getting wet and hence stays for a long time in the environment, creating potential threat for the birds both local and migratory. With more kites competing for space with birds, the number of injuries has risen over the years.
Wildlife Trust of India took the initiative to address the issue. The project team went to every corner of Jaipur with the message of a safe Makar Sakranti and initiated mass campaign by conducting various events in lieu with the theme. Our primary target was educational institutions (schools and colleges) where video screenings, presentations and live talk shows related to a bird safe Sakranti festival were conducted. We formed teams called “special action forces• comprising of selected students who helped us during our citywide awareness campaigns. We asked students to sign a pledge saying they will not fly kites with glass-coated manjha. School/College managements appreciated our efforts and stood shoulder to shoulder with us for other events also. Schools and Colleges were educated and a huge target of over 14000 students (in 30 schools) was accomplished. Project team along with their volunteers performed many nukkad-nataks at strategic locations, Jaipurs largest Temple-Govind Dev ji Temple, Birla Mandir, City Pulse, Albert Hall, Trident Mall) followed by signature campaigns wherever they visited. Our signature campaigns (Albert Hall, Walled City, Trident Mall, Govind Dev ji Temple, Birla Mandir, Galta Temple) attracted local residents, shop owners, etc in various areas of the city. Information Education and Communication (IEC) material in form of posters, brochures and pamphlets was circulated in the public. A candle light march was organized at Albert Hall and peace rally at Mansarover which witnessed huge participation from school kids and their parent alike. The team also approached religious leader to spread message of conserving the birds which were telecasted in regional TV shows.The awareness campaign reached a direct audience of 2 lakh people with many more reached through media coverage.
Awareness Programme in different regions of Jaipur was a great success in creating awareness about kite string injuries in birds amongst the people of Jaipur with people of all ages and social backgrounds participating. Following the awareness programme the locals found to be more involved by rescuing and taking the injured birds to veterinary relief camps. As a result approx 1000 birds (Black kites, pigeons, cormorants, spotted dove, bee eaters, egrets, barn owls etc) were treated during the veterinary relief camps. Another major outcome, that came out was District Administrator put forward a timeline for flying kites and bans the Chinese manjha from all the shops. The District Administrator put forward a timeline for flying kites and banned the Chinese manjha from all the shops. Time regulations were implemented to avoid flying kites between 7 and 9 am and between 5 and 7 pm which is when raptor activity is deemed highest. With help of enforcement done by team members, it was made ensure that no shopkeeper sells the Chinese manjha in the area. In this way, glass coated strings were completely banned in the area.
The awareness campaign initiated, seeks to continue and sensitize even higher target audience.