Gujarat Karuna Abhiyan Initiative for Animal and Bird Welfare

Gujarat Karuna Abhiyan Initiative for Animal and Bird Welfare

Why in News? 

Recently, the Gujarat Government started Karuna Abhiyan to rescue and treat birds and animals injured by sharp kite strings, during the Uttarayan kite-flying festival.

Gujarat’s “Karuna Abhiyan” Initiative

• About: Karuna Abhiyan is a state-led wildlife and animal welfare initiative launched by the Government of Gujarat in 2017 to rescue, treat and rehabilitate birds and animals injured by kite strings and festival activities, especially during the Uttarayan kite-flying festival (10–20 January). 

• • Objectives: The primary objectives of the campaign include:
    • Rescue & immediate medical treatment of injured birds and animals affected mainly by lethal kite strings (manja) during Uttarayan.
    • Rehabilitation and release of wildlife back into their natural habitat after recovery.
    • Reduction of mortality and injury rates through rapid response systems and public awareness.
    • Promotion of humane behaviour towards living beings and strengthening civil-government cooperation in animal protection.

• Collaborators: Karuna Abhiyan is a multi-agency collaboration led by:

• • • Gujarat Forest Department — overall leadership and wildlife rescue operations.
    • Animal Husbandry Department — veterinary care and treatment protocols.
    • Municipal Corporations & Local Bodies — logistics, local coordination and volunteers.
    • NGOs and civil society groups — on-field rescue support and rehabilitation.
    • Private veterinary professionals — specialist care in trauma and avian medicine.

• Features: Karuna Abhiyan’s operational features include:

• • • Statewide deployment of personnel — In 2026, over 728 veterinarians and 8,620 volunteers are engaged statewide.
    • Extensive treatment network — More than 1,036 treatment and collection centres, including animal clinics, veterinary polyclinics, branch clinics, mobile units and Karuna Animal Ambulances, operate round the clock — even on holidays.
    • Digital rescue support — 24×7 WhatsApp helpline (83200 02000) and emergency numbers (1926 & 1962) facilitate immediate reporting and direction to nearest care centres.
    • Specialised avian care units — Dedicated resources for water birds and migratory species with tailored treatment facilities.

• Wild life rescue — As of now, under the initiative, a total of 1.12 lakh animals and birds have been rescued, of which 1,03,874 animals and birds were treated and saved.

• • First state-driven wildlife rescue mission — It is recognised as the first state-driven compassionate wildlife rescue mission in India and acts as a model for animal-centric public policy.

Highlights of Karuna Abhiyan 2026

• In 2026, Karuna Abhiyan was officially active from January 10 to January 20, aligning with the period of peak kite flying and maximal risk to avian and terrestrial wildlife. Hundreds of rescue centres and rapid response teams were operational 24×7, with coverage across districts including Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and more.
• According to official data shared by the Government of Gujarat: 5,439 injured birds were treated across the state up to January 14, 2026. Of these, 4,937 birds — nearly 91 % — were successfully saved and released following treatment.
• In Surat district alone, volunteer teams and forest officials rescued 1,841 birds from 17 different species over a five-day period (Jan 10–14). These included pigeons, black kites, mynas, parrots, owls, egrets, cuckoos, lapwings, peacocks and water birds. Unfortunately, 211 birds were found dead, with pigeons accounting for most fatalities.
• To manage the crisis, the campaign mobilised a large field force including more than 8,620 volunteers from NGOs and civil society and 1,036 collection and treatment centres equipped with animal clinics, mobile units and Karuna Animal Ambulances.
• Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel personally reviewed operations at the Wildlife Care Centre in Ahmedabad’s Bodakdev area, underlining the state government’s commitment to compassionate wildlife protection.

Other State Government Initiatives for Wildlife Welfare 

• Kerala Stray Dog Feeding Policy: The Kerala Government has introduced a regulated stray dog feeding initiative at Animal Birth Control (ABC) centres, allowing citizens to feed strays only with prior approval from veterinary officers. This aims to reduce aggressive behaviour, improve sanitation, and better manage dog welfare at designated centres.

• Karnataka Canine Anti‑Poaching Squads: Karnataka has pioneered deployment of specially trained canine squads in all five tiger reserves (Bandipur, Nagarahole, BRT, Kali & Bhadra). These dogs are trained to detect illegal wildlife trade items and assist anti‑poaching operations, boosting wildlife protection.

• Tamil Nadu Raptor Research Foundation: Tamil Nadu has established India’s first Raptor Research Foundation in Chennai to study, conserve, and rehabilitate birds of prey. Additionally, the state is launching a 24×7 dog‑bite helpline, setting up 100 new ABC centres, and enforcing penalties for dog abandonment to strengthen animal welfare systems.

• Rajasthan Captive Animal Sponsor Scheme: The Rajasthan Government launched the Captive Animal Sponsor Scheme (CASS) to encourage public participation in zoo and wildlife conservation by allowing citizens and organisations to sponsor animal care, raising awareness and financial support for welfare activities. 

• Uttarakhand Cow Conservation Support: The Uttarakhand Government increased daily care subsidies for cows to ₹80 per head, expanded goshalas with up to 60% government funding, and encouraged community support for cow protection and welfare initiatives. 

Animal Welfare Governance in India

• • Policy Foundation: Animal welfare governance in India is rooted in the Directive Principles of State Policy, particularly Article 48 of the Constitution, which directs the State to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife and to reorganise animal husbandry on scientific lines.
  • Core Legislation: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960 is the foundational statute governing animal welfare in India. It was enacted to prevent the infliction of unnecessary pain or suffering on animals and defines cruelty broadly, covering acts like beating, overloading, torture, and harmful confinement.

• Institutional Framework: The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) was established in 1962 under the PCA Act as a statutory advisory body responsible for promoting and overseeing animal welfare laws. Its functions include advising the Government on amendments, framing rules, issuing guidelines and providing support to animal welfare organisations. The Board consists of members from Parliament and experts.

• BNS 2023: In place of the colonial‑era Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 now governs criminal offences relating to animals, introducing Sections such as 325 (mischief causing death or grievous hurt to animals) with enhanced punishments for serious harm. 

• Judicial Impact: The Supreme Court’s 2014 judgment in Animal Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja & Ors. expanded the interpretation of “right to life” under Article 21 to include animals, influencing bans on cruel practices like Jallikattu and setting precedents for humane consideration.