Vashi student turns saviour, helps 79 birds during Diwali

Even as his family and friends were busy celebrating Diwali, a 23-year-old Vashi resident was busy attending to his feathered friends. In the last three days, Nikhil Kolekar, an MBA student, has rescued 79 birds that were taken ill caused from pollution by firecrackers.
Mr Kolekar had started a bird rescue helpline in 2008 despite opposition from his family.
“I have rescued 79 birds this Diwali. Most of the injured birds were pigeons and woodpeckers. Unlike eagles or cows, these birds have weak hearts. So, the pollution created from fire crackers affects their breathing system and they fall down,” said Mr Kolekar.

63 response centres to save birds

About 5 OTs, 73 vets, 1,400 med students have volunteered for the cause during Uttarayan frenzy

Uttarayan is here and so is ready a brigade of bird rescuers to protect feathered species fall ing prey to killer manja. With five major operation theatres (OT), 13 minor OTs and 63 response centers, Forest Department and Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation this year have launched their save bird drive with much aggression.

“Our main priority is to save birds.Therefore, we will open more centres to provide immediate medical treatment. About 73 veterinary doctors and more than 1,400 students from medical colleges have volunteered for the cause,“ said Dr T Karuppasamy, DFO, social forestry division,