The 15th of August is a great day, in the Indian history, as we know it. All of India celebrates it with immense joy and happiness as its Independence Day, when we became a free nation. People take great joy in flying kites high in the sky, a symbol of freedom and liberty.

But, as we move closer to the 15th of August, the days change into disasters— for the birds. People might love to fly those kites, but they forget the real purpose behind it. They compete with their neighbors, using harmful, sharp kite threads just to 'win' in the sport.

Amid the celebrations, we completely ignore the danger this activity poses to the innocent birds. We don't realize that the sky is made for them, not for our kites. The sharp kite threads crisscross the whole sky, thus restricting the birds from free flight. Totally unaware of the danger, they fly and get injured. Every year, thousands of birds, especially pigeons, are injured, as a result of which, their claws and legs get severed. And a large number of them even die due to the severity of their injuries. They have no one to take care of them when they are injured or are dying. 

I have seen many such pigeons in my locality— walking on what is  left of their legs. They cannot land or perch properly just because of our short-lived joys. Our joys become a curse for them. I feel hurt when I see the helpless situation of these innocuous souls. The sad part is that only we are responsible for this.

Not only birds, it is dangerous for humans as well. With the sharp kite thread scattered here and there on the streets, clinging from the wires, or invisibly stretched across the path, it injures, cuts, or bruises anywhere. Sometimes, it causes severe injuries. 

The use of the Sharp Kite Thread must be banned, everywhere in India, or at least in Delhi, to protect the lives of these birds. I request the governments to take this action immediately and urgently. 

As humans we need to understand, and stand up, for these innocent birds. Did you know that under the Section 428 and 429 of the Indian Penal Code and Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960, it is illegal in India to injure, hurt or maim animals in India?

But do we care at all?

I earnestly request you to sign this petition. The governments can at least ban the use of sharp threads. And we, as the responsible citizens of the country, must also do our bit. Please sign my petition, if you do care about innocent lives. 

It would only take you a minute to sign this petition, but this might do good to someone. If you want, and can, please share this petition and inspire a Change. 

Thank You 

Shifa