Gujarat CM reviews wildlife care centre as Karuna Abhiyan intensifies

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel visited the Wildlife Care Centre in Ahmedabad’s Bodakdev area to review ongoing rescue and treatment efforts under the statewide Karuna Abhiyan, an initiative focused on saving birds injured by kite strings during the Uttarayan festival. Forest and Environment Minister Arjun Modhwadia accompanied him during the visit.
The Chief Minister inspected various facilities at the centre, including the specialised Water Birds Unit, and interacted with teams engaged in rescue, treatment and rehabilitation work. Principal Chief Conservator of Forests A.P. Singh said the campaign, carried out under the Chief Minister’s guidance, has emerged as one of the most impactful wildlife rescue operations in the country.“Thousands of injured birds have been saved so far. Various departments, municipal bodies and voluntary organisations are working together to ensure that no injured bird is left unattended,” Singh said.

Karuna Abhiyan-2026 has mobilised a large on-ground force across Gujarat, comprising more than 728 veterinary doctors, over 8,620 volunteers and 1,036 treatment and collection centres. Animal clinics, veterinary polyclinics, branch clinics, mobile veterinary units and the Karuna Animal Ambulance remain fully operational, including on holidays, during the peak injury period between January 10 and 20.Launched in 2017, the compassionate initiative has rescued over 1.12 lakh animals and birds over the past nine years. In 2023 alone, more than 12,771 birds and animals were rescued. Of the total cases since inception, 1,03,874 animals and birds have been successfully treated and rehabilitated.
Gujarat’s Karuna Abhiyan, the first state-driven campaign of its kind in India, has now become a national benchmark for wildlife protection during festivals.To ensure quick response and assistance, the Forest Department has activated a 24/7 WhatsApp helpline at 8320002000 and an emergency helpline at 1926. By sending a simple “Hi” on WhatsApp, citizens receive an instant district-wise list of treatment centres. The Animal Husbandry Department’s helpline 1962 is also operational for reporting injured animals and birds.
The Chief Minister’s visit was attended by Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain, District Panchayat Chairperson Kanchanben, Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani, senior officials from the Forest and Animal Husbandry Departments, along with volunteers, NCC cadets and representatives of organisations associated with the campaign.

(State Correspondent)