15,572 injured birds treated & saved during Karuna Abhiyan 2025: Gujarat govt

Gandhinagar: Karuna Abhiyan is held every year in Gujarat to rescue and provide immediate treatment to injured animals and birds during the Uttarayan festival. This year, a total of 17,065 birds have been rescued, and 15,572 birds have been saved through timely medical treatment across the state, the Gujarat government announced today.

“As a result of the state government’s Karuna Abhiyan, 91 percent of the injured animals and birds rescued during Uttarayan this year have been successfully treated and rehabilitated. Karuna Abhiyan-2025 has rescued and treated animals and birds across various districts, including 6,695 in Ahmedabad, 5,178 in Surat, 920 in Rajkot, and several in Vadodara. The campaign primarily focused on over 51 species of birds and animals, including pigeons, pheasants, crows, parrots, and herons,” the Gujarat government said in an official statement.

“It is noteworthy that since 2017, during the Uttarayan festival, Karuna Abhiyan has been conducted in Gujarat every year from January 10 to 20 to rescue and treat birds injured by kite strings. Over the years, more than 1.12 lakh injured birds have been treated, out of which 92 percent (1.03 lakh birds) have survived. This initiative also extends care to stray animals during Uttarayan and other festivals. In 2024, more than 13,800 animals and birds were rescued, including 4,400 animals and 9,300 birds,” according to an official government statement.

The government statement also added, “During the Uttarayan festival this year, Karuna Abhiyan was conducted from January 10 to 20, 2025, ensuring strict vigilance to prevent injuries to stray birds and animals due to kite strings. As part of this initiative, the Forest Department introduced a WhatsApp helpline (8320002000) and a 1926 emergency helpline to provide quick and effective treatment for injured birds across the state. More than 600 veterinary doctors and 8,000 volunteers participated in Karuna Abhiyan-2025. Additionally, over 1,000 treatment centers were set up by the Animal Husbandry Department, the Forest Department, and various charitable organizations.”

During this campaign, 865 animal hospitals, 34 veterinary polyclinics, 27 branch animal hospitals, 587 mobile animal hospitals, and 37 Karuna Animal Ambulances remained operational even on holidays. All necessary equipment and medical supplies were made available for the treatment of injured animals and birds, as confirmed by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) Office, Gandhinagar. DeshGujarat