Nagpur: Even as the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has declared an uncompromising war on the use and sale of banned nylon manja, a troubling question looms large over Nagpurians ahead of Makar Sankranti: Will kite-flying remain subdued this year, or will die-hard flyers once again flout the law, risking lives in the name of tradition?
For years, despite repeated bans, court orders and stiff penalties, nylon manja, often coated with glass and industrial abrasives, has continued to be sold and used with near impunity. Every Sankranti, the city witnesses a grim pattern: Emergency wards treating deep neck and facial cuts, two-wheeler riders grievously injured, birds left mutilated, and in some cases, lives lost. Yet enforcement has often lagged behind intent, allowing illegal traders and reckless users to operate under the radar.
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13 Jan 2026
This time, however, the High Court’s message could not be more severe. Calling nylon manja a direct threat to human life, the court has made it clear that “no fine is bigger than human life” and ordered year-round enforcement, not seasonal action limited to festivals. The court has retained the crushing Rs 2.5 lakh fine for sellers, tightened recovery mechanisms through land revenue laws, and introduced QR-code-based instant fine collection to remove excuses and delays. Parents have also been put squarely on notice, with financial liability fixed if minors are found using the deadly string.
Despite these measures, ground realities remain a cause for concern. Sources in the police department admit that illegal nylon manja continues to be smuggled into the city from neighbouring districts and states, often disguised as cotton or “Chinese” thread. Online platforms and informal neighbourhood networks have further complicated enforcement, enabling covert sales beyond the reach of routine checks.
Environmental activists and bird rescue groups warn that compliance cannot be assumed merely because penalties are higher. “Every year, warnings are issued, raids are conducted, and yet nylon manja resurfaces,” said a local wildlife volunteer. “Unless sellers are aggressively tracked and repeat offenders publicly prosecuted, deterrence will remain weak.”
Residents, too, are divided. While many families now consciously avoid kite-flying or restrict children to cotton thread, a section of enthusiasts continues to view enforcement as temporary or negotiable. “Some people still believe they won’t be caught,” said a senior police officer. “That mindset is exactly what the High Court wants to crush.”
In response, the administration claims it is better prepared than ever. Dedicated police teams, flying squads, surveillance units and complaint-based enforcement through WhatsApp numbers have been activated. Senior officers have been warned that accidents linked to nylon manja will invite accountability, including show-cause notices.
As Sankranti approaches, the city stands at a crossroads. The High Court has drawn a clear line between celebration and criminal negligence. Whether Nagpur chooses safer skies or repeats its bloody lessons from past years will depend not just on enforcement, but on public will.
This year, the warning is unmistakable: Flying a kite with nylon manja is no longer just illegal, it is an act that could cost lives, liberty and livelihood.
