Karuna Abhiyan Birds Saved: 17 Pigeons & Rare Owl Rescued in Heroic 10-Day Mission in Gandevi-Bilimora
The festival of Uttarayan (Makar Sankranti) in Gujarat is synonymous with vibrant skies, colorful kites, and the joyous shouts of “Kai Po Che.” However, amidst this human celebration, a silent tragedy often unfolds in the sky. The sharp, glass-coated kite strings (manja) become deadly traps for our avian friends, turning the festival of joy into a fight for survival for thousands of birds.
However, this year in South Gujarat, compassion triumphed over tragedy. Thanks to the relentless efforts under the Karuna Abhiyan Birds Saved initiative, numerous lives were snatched from the jaws of death.
Between January 10 and January 20, 2026, a massive life-saving operation was executed in the twin towns of Gandevi and Bilimora. Under the guidance of the Gujarat Government and with the alertness of animal lovers, special treatment booths were set up to ensure that no injured bird went untreated. The result was the heartwarming rescue of 17 pigeons and several rare species, proving that humanity is still alive.
A Unified Front: Government and NGOs Come Together
The success of the Karuna Abhiyan Birds Saved campaign this year was not the work of a single individual but the result of a powerful coalition. The State Government provided special directives to the Wildlife Welfare Foundation, ensuring that the campaign was more effective and organized than ever before.
To create a robust rescue network in the Gandevi and Bilimora regions, various departments joined hands. The initiative saw seamless cooperation between the Green Karuna Ambulance, the Animal Husbandry Department, the Welfare Foundation Navsari, and the local administrative bodies of Gandevi and Bilimora Municipalities.
This multi-agency approach was critical. It ensured that whenever a distress call was received regarding an injured bird, a rescue team could reach the spot immediately, transport the bird to the medical camp, and begin treatment without delay. This coordination was the backbone of the entire operation.
Spike in Pigeon Injuries: An Urban Concern
Data analysis from the three peak days of the festival revealed a concerning trend regarding urban wildlife. The statistics from the Gandevi and Bilimora camps indicated a significant rise in injuries to pigeons compared to previous years.
Pigeons, being the most common dwellers of the urban skyline where kite flying is most intense, bore the brunt of the festival. As the density of kites increased in residential areas, these birds found it increasingly difficult to navigate safely, leading to wing cuts and falls.
However, there was a silver lining. The data also showed a decrease in injuries to other wildlife species compared to the past. Experts suggest this could be due to increased public awareness or a shift in the migratory patterns of certain birds avoiding the kite-flying zones. Regardless of the species, the rescue teams worked day and night, treating a total of 17 pigeons that had suffered deep cuts and severe trauma, giving them a second chance at life.
Miraculous Rescue of Rare Species
The Karuna Abhiyan Birds Saved mission went beyond just treating common city birds. The rescue teams managed to save some truly magnificent and rare creatures that fell victim to the razor-sharp threads.
In a notable incident in Gandevi, the team rescued a crow that was found in a critical condition. But the operations that truly highlighted the team’s dedication involved nocturnal and rare species.
In the dead of night, a magnificent Owl became entangled in a kite string. Owls are crucial to the ecosystem, and their rescue is often challenging due to their nocturnal nature. The team responded swiftly, untangling the bird and providing it with immediate care.
Perhaps the most significant achievement of the campaign was the rescue of a ‘Yellow-billed Stork’ (Pili Chanch Dhok Bhramani Batak). This is a rare sighting in urban chaos, and finding one injured was heartbreaking for nature lovers. The team acted as guardian angels, rescuing this exotic bird from a life-threatening injury. Saving such rare biodiversity was a crowning achievement for the environmentalists involved.
Dr. Santul Patel: The Hands That Healed
When a bird’s wing is slashed by glass-coated string, every second counts. The difference between life and death often lies in the speed and quality of medical intervention. In this campaign, the role of Dr. Santul Patel was nothing short of heroic.
Stationed at the treatment booth, Dr. Patel worked tirelessly to perform surgeries and provide first aid. Whether it was stitching up deep lacerations, setting fractured bones, or stopping profuse bleeding, his expertise was pivotal.
It was his skilled hands that ensured the 17 pigeons and the other rare birds survived the shock and trauma of their injuries. The medical team’s ability to provide professional veterinary care on the spot was the primary reason the Karuna Abhiyan Birds Saved initiative achieved such a high survival rate this year.
16 Volunteers: The Unsung Heroes
Behind the success of any major social campaign lies the sweat and toil of volunteers. For 10 consecutive days, the volunteers of the Wildlife Welfare Foundation Navsari dedicated themselves to the cause of the voiceless.
While the rest of the world was busy looking up at the sky to fly kites, these young men were looking down at the ground to find fallen birds. From scouting different areas to transporting injured birds to the hospital and assisting in their post-operative care, their workload was immense.
A total of 16 Volunteers gave their time and energy selflessly. The team included dedicated individuals like Bhavesh Patel, Himal Mehta, Bhavesh Rathod, Siddh Patel, Sachin, Rahul Bhanushali, Darshan Patel, and Henil Ahir. Their sacrifice during the festive season serves as an inspiration to the community.
Leadership of the Forest Department
The entire operation was orchestrated under the capable leadership of the Forest Department. RFO (Range Forest Officer) Chayaben Patel provided direct supervision and guidance to all the teams involved. Her leadership ensured that there was no friction between the government bodies and the NGOs, creating a smooth workflow.
On the ground, field staff members Krupali Patel and Hemant Patel were constantly on their toes. They patrolled different areas, monitored the situation, and ensured resources were available where needed.
The convergence of the public, the administration, and the NGOs in Gandevi and Bilimora created a safety net for nature. The Karuna Abhiyan Birds Saved campaign has proven that when humans decide to coexist with nature, festivals can be celebrated with responsibility and compassion.
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