Nagpur: With the Makar Sankrant round the corner, the blue skies of city would turn colourful as kites of different hues fly higher and higher. It would be gala time for kite lovers. And it would also be hazardous time for many a kite lover as well as others. The deadly nylon manja, though banned by National Green Tribunal, may still wreak havoc in one or another way.
The deadly-manja thread is made by crushing glass into powder and sticking it to the thread. The manja thread is not only harmful to humans but birds as well. The deadly-manja thread has been used by kite-flyers for years now. In spite of it being banned, their use continues, and so do deaths and injuries.
Despite the ban, the nylon and glass coated manja is being sold in large scale Nagpur. Keeping in mind the hazards posed by the banned manja, eco-friends in city have appealed the enthusiastic youngsters to say “No to the deadly manja’. They have also demanded the police to book the users of the nylon manja as well as the traders selling the deadly stuff.
Animal rights activists alleged that sometimes these strings coated with sharp metals are also used to trap and kill migratory birds.
RTI activist Abhay Kolarkar said that several fatalities were reported last year due to use of nylon and glass coated manja by kite lovers. “Those using or selling the deadly manja senselessly and causing injuries or deaths should be booked for culpable homicide,” he demanded and added it is most unfortunate that despite the ban the nylone or glass coated manja is freely available.
It may be recalled that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has imposed a blanket ban on nylon and synthetic manja as it posed a threat to animals and humans. State governments have been directed to prohibit the “manufacture, sale, storage, purchase and use” of synthetic manja or nylon threads and all other synthetic threads used for flying kites. The ban also includes cotton manja coated with glass.
The city police have cautioned the ‘crazy’ kite flying buffs as well as traders of strict action if they are found using or selling the banned nylon manja. Police have said that violating the ban is a cognizable offense under Section 15 of Environment Protection Act, 1986. The offence is punishable with five years imprisonment and/or fine of Rs. 1 lakh.
