Gandhinagar: During the Uttarayan festival, also known as Makar Sankranti, many wild animals and birds are injured by kite strings, while others suffer poisoning from well-meaning but harmful feeding practices. To address these issues, the Gujarat government has been running the Karuna Abhiyan since 2015, a statewide initiative to rescue and treat injured animals and birds. This year, the campaign is being conducted from January 10 to 20, 2025.

While launching this year’s campaign, the government urged people to avoid flying kites during morning and evening hours, when birds are most active, and to refrain from using banned Chinese kite strings. To ensure timely treatment for injured birds, the Forest Department has activated the 1926 helpline and WhatsApp number (8320002000), providing access to treatment center details. Citizens can also contact the Animal Husbandry Department via the 1962 helpline for animal rescues.

Over the past eight years, Karuna Abhiyan has rescued more than 97,200 animals and birds across Gujarat, with Ahmedabad district treating over 17,600 of them. During Karuna Abhiyan-2025, over 600 veterinary doctors and more than 8,000 volunteers will participate. Additionally, the Animal Husbandry Department, the Forest Department, and several charitable organizations will establish more than 1,000 treatment centers statewide. This effort will include the operation of 865 animal clinics, 34 veterinary polyclinics, 27 branch animal clinics, 587 mobile animal clinics, and 37 Karuna animal ambulances, ensuring continuous care even on holidays with all necessary equipment and resources available for treating injured animals and birds.

Last year, the campaign rescued over 13,800 animals and birds statewide. DeshGujarat