Hubballi: A Bengaluru-based wildlife rehabilitation team has launched a public awareness campaign in Hubballi-Dharwad against dangerous abrasive kite string, or manjha, following the death of lab technician Vidya Goudar, 38, whose throat was slit by the string.
The Manjha Action Team, comprising Vijay Gowda, Naveen S, Aaron Wesley and CH Soumya Shree, is screening its animated short film ‘Manjha’, displaying govt’s order banning manjha and demonstrating safe kite flying, Kallam said. They said they had brought specialised equipment and were trained to remove the string correctly and dispose of it scientifically. Kallam said the trust was ready to train interested residents or groups to tackle the problem. She said citizens had strongly supported the campaign and collective responsibility was needed. Old Hubballi resident Yellappa said the campaign had convinced him to help sensitise children in his area.
Working with Hubballi-Dharwad police commissionerate, the team is focusing on young people and urging traders to sell only cotton kite string. Police commissioner Bhushan Borase had directed police stations to use the organisation’s services, she added. Members are putting up posters at shops, making announcements and removing discarded manjha that could injure people and birds. They are also visiting schools and colleges to demonstrate safe kite flying and bird rescue. The campaign covered Old Hubballi, Channamma Circle, Bhairidevarakoppa and other areas during its first two days. Police have invited the team to continue the drive in Dharwad. Borase welcomed agencies raising awareness and sought civil society participation in awareness and sharing information about manjha.
Avian and Reptile Rehabilitation Trust team began #SayNoToManjha on Saturday and will conclude it on Tuesday, executive director Jayanthi Kallam said.