Ban on kite string: Ahead of Independence Day, Delhi Govt bans use of ‘Chinese Manjha’

Ban on Chinese Manjha: Ahead of Independence Day 2023, which is all set to take place on August 15, Delhi Government issued instructions for all kite flyers as kite flying becomes more popular among Delhi residents around August 15.         

Delhi is gearing up for Independence Day 2023 and complete ban has been imposed on the production, storage, sale and use of all types of Chinese Manjha in Delhi. 

Delhi Government has issued instructions to all concerned departments to ban the use of Chinese Manjha.

Environment Minister Gopal Rai has appealed to the people not to use Chinese Manjha. If anyone is found using or selling it, punitive action will be taken against them, and the violation of this order will attract the harshest provisions, the minister said.

"Five years in prison and a fine up to one lakh rupees are the possible penalties for this. It is important to note that although our government outlawed the usage and sale of Chinese Manjha in the nation's capital of Delhi starting in 2017, reports of its continued use are still regularly reported,” he said. 

The Minister shared that an advisory has been issued to all the concerned departments on behalf of the Department of Environment regarding the ban on the use of Chinese manjha. 

Gopal Rai also highlighted the accidents, problems caused to birds and animals and remarked that Chinese manjha could kill humans and its use is illegal.

Kite flying and accidents 

Kite flying is one of the most popular among Delhi residents around August 15. But in the midst of this kite-flying pastime, news of accidents caused by Chinese Manjha are also reported every year. 

Since January 10, 2017, the use and sale of Chinese Manjha have been prohibited in the capital city of Delhi. Despite this, some kite flyers utilise it every year on August 15, as a result, a lot of animals and birds get trapped in the manjha.

Kite flying also poses a danger to those crossing roadways. 

This Chinese Manjha is made of chemicals rather than cotton fabric. It is extremely harmful for both our environment as well as for animals, birds and humans. Due to this, instructions have been issued by Department of Environment to all the concerned departments. These departments include Delhi Police, Revenue, MCD, Transport Department, DMRC, Eco-Club School and College.