Local body appeals to avoid manja

Youth-based activist group Sahayog Organisation has issued an appeal to kite flying enthusiasts to avoid using manja during Sankranti celebrations.

A statement issued by the organisation on Thursday said, “Every January Hyderabad sacrifices thousands of its birds to the thrill of kite-flying festival. Injuries to birds are mainly caused by chinese manja, glass coated threads that cut though flesh and bones of these birds.

What makes matters worse is that people continue to use dangerous strings, disregarding the harm they cause to animals.”

Mahesh Agarwal, General Secretary appealed, “We urge citizens to follow certain do’s and don’ts during the kite flying festival.”

“Always disposes left over pieces of manja in a careful manner so that the birds are not entangled in the the harmful threads. Fly your kites on open grounds,” he said.

“In case a bird is injured please call us for help or report birds found hanging from trees to our Helpline no. 9394005600,” added Agarwal.

Volunteers from the organisation will be on move on two-wheeler in and around the city to attend to the injured birds till January 16, said the statement.