Gujarat Launches Karuna Abhiyan 2025 to Protect birds and animals During Uttarayan

Ahmedabad : As Gujarat prepares to celebrate Uttarayan, the state government is launching the compassionate Karuna Abhiyan 2025 from January 10 to January 20. This annual campaign, initiated in 2015, aims to rescue and provide immediate treatment to animals and birds injured by kite strings and related festival activities.

Announcing the initiative, Forest and Environment Minister Mulubhai Bera urged citizens to avoid flying kites during early mornings and evenings when birds are most active in search of food. He also stressed the importance of refraining from using illegal Chinese kite strings, which pose severe threats to animals and birds.

A Model for Animal Welfare

Over the past eight years, Karuna Abhiyan has rescued more than 97,200 animals and birds across Gujarat, including over 31,400 animals and 65,700 birds. The campaign has been most effective in Ahmedabad district, where more than 17,600 rescues have taken place.

This unique initiative, conceptualized by Gujarat, has set an example for other states in India. Forest and Environment Minister Shri Mukeshbhai Patel emphasized that under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and Animal Husbandry Minister Shri Raghavji Patel, the 2025 campaign is designed to be even more impactful.

Extensive Infrastructure and Volunteer Support

Karuna Abhiyan 2025 will see participation from over 8,000 volunteers and more than 600 veterinary doctors. The campaign will operate over 1,000 treatment centers across Gujarat, including:

865 animal hospitals

34 veterinary polyclinics

27 branch animal hospitals

587 mobile animal hospitals

37 Karuna Animal ambulances

To ensure round-the-clock assistance, these facilities will remain operational during the campaign, including on holidays. Urban areas like Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Surat, and Rajkot will have additional mobile units for effective coverage.

Helplines for Immediate Assistance

To provide quick aid, the Forest Department has activated the helpline number 8320002000 and WhatsApp support. Citizens can send a “Hi” message to the number to receive a link with district-wise details of bird treatment centers. Additionally, the Animal Husbandry Department has dedicated 1962 as a helpline for injured animals and birds.

Record of Success

Last year, the Karuna Abhiyan rescued more than 13,800 animals and birds, including over 4,400 animals and 9,300 birds. Apart from Ahmedabad, Surat recorded the second-highest number of rescues, followed by Vadodara, Rajkot, Anand, and Junagadh districts.

An Appeal to Citizens

The Gujarat government has called upon citizens to join hands in protecting animals and birds during Uttarayan. Minister Shri Mulubhai Bera noted, “Compassion is the essence of our society. Together, we can ensure the safety and well-being of these innocent beings during the festival.”