As many as 20 birds have been treated for deep injuries in Vipin Bhatia’s clinic since January 26.

An ardent bird lover, Bhatia said, “A pigeon received 32 stitches while two others got more than 20 stitches each. An eagle is currently undergoing treatment.”

Bhatia, who also runs Pakshi Sewa Samiti for injured birds, blames the Chinese kite strings for causing pain to our feathered friends.

“The Chinese kite string has been widely sold this year. Being made of plastic, they do not break and hence injure birds flying in the sky.”

The Samiti members have asked the deputy commissioner to ban the sale of Chinese kite strings. Dr Paramjit Singh, secretary of the Samiti, said: “Every year, birds are injured during the kite-flying season, but this year the severity of the injuries is more because of the new strings. So either the residents should exercise caution themselves while choosing the strings or the Administration should take some steps.”