Surat, Mar 13 (UNI) Hundreds of birds that suffered deep wounds caused by the sharp strings of kites during the last Uttrayan festival were saved by Prayas, an environmental group here.

The volunteers of the group set free 16 pigeons on Sunday, which would have faced a slow and cruel death had the group not intervened effectively.

According to Darshan Desai of the Prayas, till now around 300 birds, including pigeons, vultures, crows and kites, had been saved by the organisation which had sought the help of many volunteers, including students in the city.

They had also done a campaign warning the public to fly kites without causing injuries to the innocent birds, and also asked the public to inform the rescue helpline launched by the group, if they found any bird with wounds anywhere in the city.

''Most of the calls that came to the rescue help line were about pigeons with open wounds, wings cut and bleeding profusely.

Another set of calls were about the birds hanging with wing or leg, on a treetop or a cable wire between buildings. It was very difficult to help such birds,'' said Mr Desai.

Some of the wounded birds were given treatment and kept under care till they were able to fly again, he said.

The organistion thanked the Surat Fire Brigade which helped them to rescue many birds hanging on sky scrappers or treetops.

UNI