Manja Kills Birds and Humans – You Can Help Stop This!
Many birds get injured or killed as thousands take to the terraces to fly kites to celebrate Makar Sankranti on 14 January, marking the arrival of spring. The manja used in kite-flying competitions is often coated with adhesive and powdered or finely crushed glass, metal, or other materials to make it sharp. It's an invisible killer and deadly for thousands of pigeons, crows, owls, endangered vultures, and other birds, who are often wounded or killed when they become entangled in the strings. It causes injuries mostly related to the wings, fractures and, worst of all, complete amputation of the wing. Raptors like Eagles, black kites & Hawks among others fly high in the sky and are known for their speed, maneuverability and diving landing approach. All such factors make them more vulnerable to fatal injuries due to kite string. Not only raptors or pigeons but sometimes, even migratory birds such as Heuglin's gull, demoiselle cranes, Dalmatian pelican, White Ibis, etc.
