Uttarayana often witnesses colourful kites adorning the bright blue skies.While the city is all prepped to enjoy the festival, responsible youngsters have geared themselves up to help birds injured during the kite flying festival.

While kites of various shapes and sizes are attracting people from all age groups, a group of youngsters are approaching shops as well as individuals, counseling them not to use and sell the dangerous manja (glass thread) as it injures birds.

An animal activist from the city said, "Though Thane has proved itself as a much safer place for birds in comparison to its counterpart places, we would still be vigilant, spread across the area and take care of the injured birds."While volunteers from the Plant and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) will organize camps, many individual bird lovers are out to volunteer on their own and extend help to ailing birds on the day.

Rahul More, a bird lover, said "every year statistics of bird being injured during the fest are very disturbing, hence, a few friends and I have decided to help by rushing birds immediately for medical help in whatever ways we can."

People mostly rely on Thane SPCA for any help, but this year bird lovers and specialised vets have also extended their help and will be ready with primary medical kit for immediate assistance.

Sunish Subramanian Kunju, Founder and Secretary, PAWS said "Special posters and banners have been designed to increase awareness among people. Our volunteers would be out on a three day campaign to take care of treatment and help birds. We will continue working for another 15 days or a month as the manja's entangled in trees and overhead wires are equally dangerous, hence, they would be taken off so that it is safe for the birds."

Makar sankranti awareness posters have already been circulated through Whats App, Facebook, Hike, etc. The bird lovers and PAWS appeal to people to not fly kites using the manja as it could kill, injure or cripple birds for life.The ill-effect is seen for long days after the day of festival too.

It is not advisable to fly kites in bird feeding and nest areas and use glass coated or chinese threads as it is dangerous for both birds and human beings.

If you see a bird in trouble, please report to the nearest animal shelter as early as possible. You can also call fire brigade on 101 for rescuing birds trapped at a height. People can also call PAWS-Mumbai Rescue and First Aid Team from Thane to Ghatkopar and near by areas on their helpline 9833480388/ 25968314.