RESCUE OPERATIONS UNDER KARUNA ABHIYAN-2026

NEWS: Gujarat Chief Minister reviewed rescue operations under Karuna Abhiyan-2026 during the Uttarayan festival after a surge in bird injuries caused by kite strings, highlighting the state’s large-scale wildlife protection drive.

About Karuna Abhiyan:

Karuna Abhiyan is a state-wide wildlife rescue and rehabilitation campaign launched by Gujarat in 2017 to protect birds and animals injured during festivals, especially kite-flying during Uttarayan.

Key features:

• Forest emergency (1926) and Animal Husbandry helpline (1962) enable instant reporting and district-wise centre access.
• Forest Department, Animal Husbandry, municipalities, NCC and NGOs work together for real-time response.
• Includes specialised Water Bird Units, mobile veterinary clinics, animal ambulances and branch clinics.

Significance:

• India’s first state-driven festival-linked wildlife protection campaign, having rescued over 12 lakh animals and birds since 2017.
• Set a national benchmark for humane wildlife governance, integrating technology, volunteers and public institutions to protect biodiversity