The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Saving pigeons the risk

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Tuesday, Jan 13, 2009
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Saving pigeons the risk

Staff Reporter

Hyderabad: The ubiquitous moan of the city pigeons will not be heard this time round. The birds might be saved from the ‘manjha’ in the air this Pongal season, thanks to the fall in the number of kites dotting the skyscape. Another reason, is the rising awareness among people about the harm caused by the Chinese ‘manjha’.

“We had only one case of injury so far as against the 120 during the same time last year. People have realised the harm done by the Chinese thread to the birds and are shifting to ordinary ones,” says Mahesh Agarwal from Sahyog Organisation.

Attack by canines

However, merely getting caught in the ‘manjha’ rarely kills a bird. Many die falling prey to canines after getting hurt and losing flight. Sahyog rescued over 650 pigeons last year, while the figure was over 450 the previous year.

“This year, we have deployed more volunteers across the city to identify the injured pigeons and rescue them. The birds will be given first aid and kept cosy till they regain flight,” says Mr. Agarwal. Decline of the kites’ market due to recession and rising prices also proved a blessing in disguise.

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Andhra Pradesh