Karuna Abhiyan: Gujarat’s statewide compassion initiative saves over 4,900 birds

January 15, 2026

Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s flagship state-level campaign, Karuna Abhiyaan, aimed at rescuing and treating birds injured during kite-flying during Uttarayan, achieved great success this year as well. According to Minister Harsh Sanghavi, a total of 5,439 birds were treated across the state as of January 14, 2026, of which 4,937, or approximately 91 percent, were successfully rescued. The campaign mobilizes veterinarians, volunteers, and emergency response teams and focuses on giving injured birds a second chance at life during kite-flying season, when incidents of bird injuries due to kite strings and other hazards increase.

A Symbol of Empathy and Statewide Impact
Minister Sanghvi described the Karuna Abhiyaan as a “unique effort of compassion towards living creatures” and highlighted its statewide impact. This initiative combines community participation, professional veterinary care, and emergency response, reflecting Gujarat’s commitment to animal welfare. During the campaign, the Jivdaya Charitable Trust, the Forest Department Hospital, and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center provide round-the-clock medical care to injured birds, while trained volunteers and emergency teams ensure timely rescue operations.

Gujarat’s Comprehensive Wildlife and Animal Conservation Framework
The Karuna Abhiyaan is part of Gujarat’s comprehensive wildlife and animal conservation framework. The state has strengthened conservation policies, expanded protected areas, and created rescue and emergency response units in collaboration with the Forest Department, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. Gujarat is home to India’s only Asiatic lion population, which is protected through the internationally recognized Gir Conservation Project. This includes measures like poaching control, habitat restoration, wildlife corridors, radio calling, and scientific monitoring. In addition to lions, the state’s conservation focus is also on leopards, jackals, flamingos, marine life, and desert ecosystems. Awareness campaigns, strict poaching controls, rescue hotlines, and partnerships with universities and NGOs ensure a multi-pronged strategy for animal welfare. All these efforts have placed Gujarat among the leading states in India that are active and progressive in wildlife conservation and animal welfare.