Gujarat CM launches snake rescue app amid Karuna abhiyan campaign

Ahmedabad : Chief Minister  Bhupendrabhai Patel visited the Wildlife Care Center operating in the Bodakdev area of ​​Ahmedabad as part of the state-wide Karuna Abhiyan campaign to save birds from being injured by kite strings and to treat injured birds during Uttarayan festival from 10th January to 20th January – 2024.

During this visit, the Chief Minister inspected various activities being carried out by the Wildlife Care Center. On this occasion, the Chief Minister also visited the Wildlife Photography Exhibition.

During his visit to the Wildlife Care Center in Bodakdev, Ahmedabad, the ‘Snake Rescue App’ was launched by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel. Along with this, the Chief Minister released the book ‘Karuna Abhiyan’ conducted by the State Forest Department. Along with this, the Chief Minister also participated in the ‘Karuna Abhiyan – 2025 Signature’ campaign.

On this occasion, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Head of the Forest Force Dr. A.P. Singh said that this is an unprecedented campaign to save injured birds during Uttarayan festival under the leadership of the Chief Minister. So far, thousands of injured birds have been saved in this campaign. Animal Husbandry, Forest Department, Municipal Corporations and various voluntary organizations have participated in making this campaign, which is going on from January 10 to 20, a success.

It is worth mentioning here that, with sufficient vigilance to ensure that no stray bird or animal is injured by kite strings during the Uttarayan festival, a statewide Karuna Abhiyan is being organized from January 10th to January 20th, 2025, under the inspiration and guidance of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel.

To provide quick and proper treatment to injured birds anywhere in the state, the Forest Department has announced WhatsApp number 8320002000 and 1926 helpline. By sending a “Hi” message to this number, a link will be provided, which will provide information about all the bird treatment centers available district-wise. In addition, the Animal Husbandry Department is operating the number 1962. By contacting this number, citizens will be able to save the lives of stray animals and birds.

About 600 veterinary doctors and more than 8,000 volunteers are working in Karuna Abhiyan-2025. Along with this, a total of more than 1,000 treatment centers have also been set up across the state by the Animal Husbandry Department, Forest Department and various charitable organizations. During this campaign, 865 animal hospitals, 34 veterinary polyclinics, 27 branch animal hospitals, 587 mobile animal hospitals and 37 Karuna Animal Ambulances across the state will remain operational even on holidays. Where all the necessary equipment and supplies have been ensured for the treatment of injured animals and birds.

As a result of this compassionate initiative launched by the state government, many dead animals and birds have been given new life. In the last eight years, more than 97,200 animals and birds have been rescued across the state under the Karuna campaign. Out of which more than 31,400 animals and more than 65,700 birds have been given proper treatment.

This Karuna Abhiyan, which takes care of the animals and provides them with treatment and care during festivals and folk festivals like Uttarayan, has become a prominent initiative of Gujarat. Last year, more than 13,800 animals and birds were rescued across the state under the Karuna Abhiyan, which includes more than 4,400 animals and more than 9,300 birds. Whereas, in the last 08 years, the maximum number of animals and birds rescued and provided treatment has been provided in Ahmedabad district, more than 17,600, Surat district, more than 13,300, Vadodara district, more than 8,300 in Rajkot district, more than 6,800 in Anand district and more than 6,100 in Junagadh district. Thus, the ideal model of ‘Karuna Abhiyan’, which was first started by Gujarat, has become a guide for the entire country today.