Ahmedabad, Jan 15 (NationPress) The Karuna Abhiyan in Gujarat, a premier state initiative dedicated to the rescue and treatment of injured birds during the Uttarayan festival, has achieved remarkable success this year.

As reported by Minister Harsh Sanghavi, a total of 5,439 birds have been treated across the state as of January 14, 2026, with 4,937 of them — approximately 91 percent — successfully saved.

This initiative engages veterinarians, volunteers, and emergency response teams, focusing on providing injured birds a second chance at life during the kite-flying season, a time when bird injuries spike.

The minister referred to Karuna Abhiyan as “an extraordinary initiative for compassion towards all living beings,” underscoring its expanding influence and statewide reach.

Gujarat has established a robust and multi-faceted system to protect wildlife and ensure animal welfare, utilizing a blend of policies, conservation programs, rescue networks, and community-focused initiatives.

The state is home to India’s only population of Asiatic lions, safeguarded through the internationally acclaimed Gir Conservation Project, which includes habitat restoration, anti-poaching patrols, radio-collaring, wildlife corridors, and scientific monitoring.

Additionally, Gujarat maintains a strong network of Wildlife Rescue and Rapid Response Units, backed by the Forest Department, NGOs, and trained volunteers who address animal injuries, human-wildlife conflicts, and emergencies.

Programs like Karuna Abhiyan rally veterinarians and thousands of volunteers each year during the kite-flying season to rescue injured birds, while specialized centers like the Jivdaya Charitable Trust, Forest Department hospitals, and wildlife rehabilitation centers offer 24/7 medical care.

The state has broadened its protected areas, which include marine national parks, wetlands, desert ecosystems, and community conservation zones, targeting species such as lions, leopards, wild asses, flamingos, and marine life along the Gulf of Kutch.

Gujarat’s policies highlight awareness campaigns, stringent anti-poaching enforcement, habitat enhancement, rescue hotlines, and collaborations with NGOs, universities, and local communities, positioning it as one of India’s most proactive states in wildlife protection and animal welfare.