The Bengaluru-based People for Animals (PfA) Wildlife Hospital has been instrumental in the rescue and rehabilitation of over 14,800 birds injured by 'manjha', the dangerous glass-coated kite string. This impressive figure represents the cumulative efforts of the NGO over many years, combating the recurring threat posed by these hazardous kite strings. During the Makar Sankranti festival season, the incidence of bird injuries due to manjha sees a significant surge, turning a festive tradition into a wildlife crisis. PfA's dedicated team, including chief wildlife veterinarian Colonel Dr. Navaz Shariff, employs advanced techniques such as 'imping'—a specialized feather-implantation method—to replace broken or missing feathers, drastically reducing rehabilitation periods from months to mere days. Since its establishment in 1996, PfA Wildlife Hospital has rescued over 48,331 urban wild animals across 235 species, demonstrating a long-standing commitment to animal welfare. Black kites are among the most affected species, with PfA having treated over 11,000 injured black kites alone over the years. Despite a ban on Chinese and nylon manjha, these strings remain widely available, causing horrific injuries like slit wings, deep cuts, and fractured bones to birds, and even posing risks to humans. The organization also conducts awareness campaigns, like their "Kite vs Kites" initiative, to educate the public about the dangers of manjha. Recent reports confirm a seasonal surge in manja-related bird rescues, with PfA receiving numerous calls around January 2026.