Kite-flying, once considered a leisure activity, has now become a matter of grave concern in India.

More than 700 birds, including pigeons, eagles, cranes, crows, parrots and peacocks were reported to be injured between August 13 and August 15 in northern India's Delhi state.

The clip filmed on August 18 shows The Charity Bird Hospital treating the birds with the worst injuries, however, unfortunately over 200 of the injured birds could not be saved.

Kite-fliers have been known to coat these strings, known as 'manja', with crushed glass or other similarly hard-edged substances to be able to cut down other kites in contests.

Even though the government had banned the use of Chinese 'manja' back in 2017, people tend to use them in massive numbers especially during the Independence Day celebrations on August 15.

Apart from birds, at least 17 incidents of people getting injured with 'manjas' were reported on August 15 when the kite-flying activities peak.

Kite-flying, once considered a leisure activity, has now become a matter of grave concern.

More than 700 birds, including pigeons, eagles, cranes, crows, parrots and peacocks were reported to be injured between August 13 and August 15 in northern India's Delhi state.

Kite-fliers have been known to coat these strings, known as 'manja', with crushed glass or other similarly hard-edged substances to be able to cut down other kites in contests.

Even though the government had banned the use of Chinese manja back in 2017, people tend to use them in massive numbers especially during the Independence Day celebrations, i.e., Aug. 15.

The Charity Bird Hospital at Chandni Chowk, one of the oldest bird hospitals in the state, received more than 700 such cases between August 13 and August 15. Out of this more than 200 could not be saved.

At other places such as the Sanjay Gandhi Animal Care Centre, the authorities received around 30 such cases on Independence Day.

Hospital authorities said that in some cases the manja had cut the birds so deeply that the string could not be removed even after surgery.

Unlike the usual cotton thread, manja does not break on impact but cuts through the skin. These strings are also heavy conductors of electricity.

According to reports, manja is still being sold in many areas such as Patel Nagar, Vikaspuri, Janakpuri, Mayapuri, Shadipur, Tilak Nagar, Narela, Alipur, Mundka, Bawana, Kanjhawala, Kiradi, Begampur, Prem Nagar, Mangolpuri and Sultanpuri. T

These threads mostly come from Western Uttar Pradesh cities like Bareilly where they are not banned.

Apart from birds, at least 17 incidents of people getting injured with manjas were reported on Aug. 15 when the kite-flying activities peak.