Plight for Freedom

Unofficially, 15 August is disability day for Delhi’s birds. Each year, pigeons, crows and doves lose their independence when kite fliers get into parks and clamber onto roofs for ritual patangbaazi.

Unofficially, 15 August is disability day for Delhi’s birds. Each year, pigeons, crows and doves lose their independence when kite fliers get into parks and clamber onto roofs for ritual patangbaazi. As diamond-like fliers slice into each other in the skies, the glass-coated manja often cuts into bird’s wings, feet and through their delicate bones. Post patangbaazi, you see birds on the streets, helplessly entangled in manja and often maimed for life. No one can stop these kite fliers, but you can help. If you spot a trapped, injured bird, call any of these 24-hour bird rescue helplines: 9810029698, 9810129698, 9868355222, 9212111116.   

About The Author

Pramila N. Phatarphekar