Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel recently visited the Wildlife Care Centre in Ahmedabad’s Bodakdev area as part of the Karuna Abhiyan initiative. This program focuses on rescuing and treating birds injured by kite strings during the Uttarayan festival. Accompanied by Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia, the Chief Minister inspected the Water Birds Unit and interacted with the teams involved in the rescue efforts.
The Chief Minister’s visit highlighted the success of the campaign, which has saved thousands of injured birds. The initiative, under the guidance of the Chief Minister, has brought together various departments, municipal bodies, and voluntary organizations to ensure comprehensive care for the injured birds. The ongoing Karuna Abhiyan-2026 has mobilized a significant force across Gujarat, with over 728 veterinary doctors, 8,620 volunteers, and 1,036 treatment and collection centers actively participating in the rescue operations.
Launched in 2017, Gujarat’s Karuna Abhiyan has rescued over 1.12 lakh animals and birds in the last nine years. The initiative, which saved more than 12,771 birds and animals in 2023 alone, has successfully treated and rehabilitated 1,03,874 of the rescued animals. With a dedicated 24/7 WhatsApp helpline and emergency assistance services, the campaign has set a national standard for wildlife protection during festivals. The Animal Husbandry Department’s helpline is also operational for reporting injured animals and birds, emphasizing the state’s commitment to animal welfare.
