Jan 13, 2011, 11.09pm IST
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/rajkot/This-village-observes-no-kite-flying-day-on-Uttarayan/articleshow/7279420.cms
PALANPUR: Cities grappling with the problem of fatal accidents, disputes and massacre of birds on Uttarayan can learn from Fatehpura village in Dhanera taluka of Banaskantha where the residents observe a 'no kite-flying day' on this occasion since the last 10 years.
Fatehpura, 5 km from Dhanera, with a population of 3,000, has been spreading awareness about the environmental imbalance created in the entire food chain due to mass killing of migratory birds. "No bird killing, no noise, no dispute and no scuffle over kites. Hindu scriptures believe in donation and feeding the cattle and birds on the eve of Uttarayan," says panchayat member Rana Meghraj Patel.
Narmada Aaydan Galchar, the sarpanch of village says, "Anybody found violating the rule is fined Rs 500." She is proud that they do not need veterinarians and voluntary organizations to save birds and nor do they need to rush kids to hospital with broken bones.
"There is a voluntary ban not only on flying the kites but also on selling and buying them in the village. The children have also been keeping themselves away and, thus, saving a huge sum of several thousands which is used for raising 'chabutras' for bird-feeding," Galchar said.
