Pimpri Chinchwad: 160 Birds Rescued in Four Years, One Loses Life Due to Deadly Nylon Manja
Pimpri Chinchwad, 8th January 2025: The illegal sale and use of nylon manja (kite string) continues to endanger wildlife in Pimpri-Chinchwad, with the fire brigade rescuing 160 entangled birds over the last four years. Despite these efforts, one bird tragically lost its life during this period.
Nylon manja, banned due to its dangerous nature, is still being sold in markets, especially during kite-flying festivals. The sharp and durable string poses a severe threat to birds, especially pigeons and crows, which account for the majority of cases. Fire brigade personnel often risk their own safety to save these animals, with some suffering injuries during rescue operations.
Using specialized tools and a 54-meter-high ladder, the fire brigade has been able to access birds stuck in high trees and other challenging locations. In some cases, rescuers rely on sticks with attached sickles to cut the manja, but this method risks injuring or killing the bird if it falls from a height.
According to data from the fire department, the number of bird rescues has steadily increased over the years:
2021: 32 birds rescued
2022: 40 birds rescued
2023: 44 birds rescued
2024: 44 birds rescued
Total: 160 birds rescued
Deputy Commissioner of Police Sandeep Doifode emphasized, “The sale and use of nylon manja are strictly prohibited. If anyone is caught selling it, immediate action will be taken against them. Citizens should report such cases to the police.”
The fire department also reported the rescue of 239 animals in the same four-year period, with 10 animals losing their lives due to nylon manja in 2023 alone.
Despite legal prohibitions, nylon manja continues to harm wildlife and requires strict enforcement to prevent further casualties. Authorities urge citizens to stay vigilant and report illegal sales of the material.
