Karuna Abhiyan 2025: Gujarat CM visits wildlife care centre in Bodakdev, launches snake rescue app

Ahmedabad: Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel today visited the Wildlife Care Center in the Bodakdev area of the city as part of the ongoing statewide Karuna Abhiyan. This initiative aims to save birds from injuries caused by kite strings and provide treatment to injured birds during the Uttarayan festival, running from January 10th to 20th, 2025.

During the visit, the Chief Minister inspected the various activities carried out by the Wildlife Care Center and also attended a wildlife photography exhibition.

The ‘Snake Rescue App’ was launched by the Chief Minister at the Wildlife Care Center. Alongside the launch, the Chief Minister released the book Karuna Abhiyan, published by the state’s Forest Department. He also participated in the Karuna Abhiyan-2025 Signature campaign.

Thousands of injured birds have been rescued as part of this campaign, with participation from the Animal Husbandry, Forest Department, Municipal Corporations, and various voluntary organizations, running from January 10th to 20th.

The Forest Department has set up a WhatsApp helpline at 8320002000 and the 1926 helpline to provide quick treatment to injured birds across the state. By texting “Hi” to this number, citizens can receive a link to locate bird treatment centers by district. Additionally, the Animal Husbandry Department offers services through the 1962 helpline.

Karuna Abhiyan-2025 involves more than 600 veterinary doctors and over 8,000 dedicated volunteers. The Animal Husbandry and Forest Departments, along with various charitable organizations, have established more than 1,000 treatment centers across the state. These centers include 865 animal clinics, 34 veterinary polyclinics, 27 branch animal clinics, 587 mobile animal clinics, and 37 Karuna Animal Ambulances, ensuring continuous treatment even on holidays.

Over 97,200 animals and birds have been rescued under Karuna Abhiyan in the past eight years, with more than 31,400 animals and over 65,700 birds receiving treatment. In 2024, more than 13,800 animals and birds were rescued statewide, including over 4,400 animals and more than 9,300 birds. Over the last eight years, Ahmedabad district has seen the highest number of rescues, with nearly 17,600 animals, followed by Surat (13,300), Vadodara (10,700), Rajkot (8,300), Anand (6,800), and Junagadh (6,100). DeshGujarat