Gandhinagar: During or after the Uttarayan festival, if a bird is found injured due to kite strings, citizens can easily locate the nearest bird treatment centre by sending a WhatsApp message to 8320002000. To ensure quick and proper treatment for injured birds across Gujarat, the Forest Department has announced this WhatsApp number along with the 1926 helpline, both of which will remain operational round the clock.

By sending a simple “Hi” message to the WhatsApp number, users will receive a link. Clicking on the link will provide district-wise details of all available bird treatment centres. For those who prefer not to follow this process, a direct link has also been shared here https://script.google.com/macros/s/AKfycbxf8Ll699Z8adP8AT3AdQ2xoZ4J5-fO8c8iLT47kUkx3-WColkkrRXf4B6TlXB8hFzA/exec . In addition, the Animal Husbandry Department has provided the animal helpline number 1962, which citizens can use to help save the lives of injured animals and birds.

Under the Gujarat government’s Karuna Abhiyan, a total of 1,036 treatment and collection centres have been set up across the state. These centres are supported by around 728 veterinary doctors and 8,620 volunteers to treat and protect birds injured by kite strings during the festival. Along with animal hospitals, veterinary polyclinics and branch animal hospitals, mobile animal hospitals and Karuna Animal Ambulances will remain operational across the state, even on holidays.

According to government data, since the launch of Karuna Abhiyan in 2017, a total of 1.12 lakh animals and birds have been rescued across Gujarat. Last year alone, 12,771 animals and birds were rescued under the campaign. Over the past nine years, 1,12,951 animals and birds have been rescued, out of which 1,03,874 were successfully treated and saved.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel recently visited the Wildlife Care Centre at Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, which is operated by the Forest Department under Karuna Abhiyan.

Meanwhile, the Animal Husbandry Department, through a press release, has appealed to citizens not to use plastic strings, Chinese manja, or glass-coated strings while flying kites. People have also been urged to avoid kite flying during peak bird movement hours, before 9:00 am and after 5:00 pm.

If any bird or animal is found injured, citizens are advised to immediately contact the nearest rescue centre or call the state animal helpline 1962. Upon receiving a call, the injured animal will be provided prompt treatment through the Karuna Animal Ambulance, the department said.