Experts warn kite flying poses serious threat to urban birds in Lahore

Research indicates that bird injuries and fatalities linked to kite flying have occurred for decades

LAHORE:

Experts have expressed serious concern over increasing incidents of bird injuries and deaths caused by kite flying in Lahore, describing it as a major threat to the urban environment. They said the primary danger lies not in the kites themselves but in the hazardous chemical-coated strings used with them.

According to Professor Dr Zulfiqar Ali, Head of the Department of Zoology at the University of the Punjab, kite flying holds cultural significance in Lahore, but the activity is resulting in large-scale injuries and fatalities among birds. Research indicates that the illegal chemical string, commonly known as manjha, is made from synthetic materials coated with glass, metal, and other abrasive substances. The string is designed to cut rival kites during competitions but often proves lethal for birds flying through the air.

He said the risks to birds increase significantly during Basant and other festivals when kite flying intensifies, while year-round kite flying continues to pose a persistent threat to urban wildlife.

Dr Zulfiqar Ali said the problem of bird injuries and deaths has persisted for decades. A study conducted on Ferozepur Road in 2001 recorded 187 birds injured and 27 killed in a single day. Experts said that during the Basant season, thousands of birds across the city suffer injuries or die due to infections, starvation, and loss of limbs.

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Experts further said the Basant season coincides with a critical migration period for birds between February and April. Lahore lies beneath the Indus flyway, a major aerial route used by migratory birds. Birds exhausted from long-distance travel are often unaware of urban hazards, increasing their risk of injury.

Professor Dr Zulfiqar Ali said affected migratory species include raptors, water birds, and small songbirds. Raptors such as hawks and eagles are drawn close to kites due to thermal air currents, while water birds living near canals and rivers are also vulnerable to collisions with strings. Small birds, including swallows, are particularly affected by nearly invisible strings.

He said collisions with sharp manjha can slice through flesh, muscles, and even bones of birds, resulting in severed wings and legs, deep wounds to the neck and chest, and damage to flight muscles. Many birds become trapped in trees and buildings and die from hunger and dehydration, while cases of electrocution due to entanglement in power lines have also been reported.

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Citing a research report, he said the black kite is the most affected species in Lahore. Other impacted species include crows, pigeons, mynas, parrots, and bats. Experts added that kite strings also damage nests and kill hatchlings, affecting bird reproduction.

The report stated that various welfare organisations and volunteers are working to treat injured birds. During the Basant season, hundreds of injured birds are treated at the WWF-Pakistan Wildlife Rescue Centre and Lahore Safari Park. However, experts said these measures only provide relief to affected birds and do not offer a complete solution to the problem.

Experts said that despite a ban on the manufacturing, sale, and use of chemical strings, enforcement remains weak and hazardous strings are still available in markets. They urged the government to ensure year-round strict action against illegal strings, promote the use of safe cotton strings, and launch public awareness campaigns to maintain a balance between cultural activities and wildlife conservation.