Udaipur, January 8, 2025: In a move aimed at safeguarding both public safety and animal welfare, the District Magistrate of Udaipur, Arvind Poswal, has issued a strict order banning the use of nylon or synthetic kite threads and those coated with metal or glass powder. The decision comes in response to the growing number of incidents where such threads have caused harm to birds, animals, and even human lives.
These dangerous kite threads, often referred to as Chinese manja, are known to be excessively sharp and can lead to severe injuries, dismemberment, or even death for animals and birds. Moreover, their use has resulted in numerous incidents of harm to pedestrians and vehicle riders, particularly during kite flying festivals.
Directive to Ensure Compliance
The District Magistrate has directed the Police Superintendent, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars, and the Joint Director of Animal Husbandry to ensure that the ban is effectively implemented. These authorities have been instructed to monitor and enforce the prohibition of the production, storage, sale, and use of these hazardous kite threads.
The ban is in compliance with the directives issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in its order dated July 11, 2017, in the case of Khalid Ashraf vs. Union of India (O.A. No. 384/2016). The NGT had called for a nationwide ban on non-biodegradable, synthetic kite threads coated with glass or other harmful substances, emphasizing their impact on both the environment and public safety.
Consequences for Violators
Any violation of this order will result in legal action under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Indian Penal Code, 2023, and the Environmental Protection Act, 1986. The authorities have assured that strict measures will be taken against those involved in the manufacturing, selling, or use of synthetic kite threads, with penalties and legal consequences to follow.
Bird Rescue Initiatives
As part of the effort to mitigate the damage to wildlife, District Magistrate Poswal has also instructed the Joint Director of Animal Husbandry to arrange special camps for rescuing injured birds. The camps will be set up with the support of NGOs and bird enthusiasts, ensuring timely medical treatment for injured wildlife. Additionally, a helpline number will be provided to help the public report incidents and seek assistance in rescuing injured animals and birds.
The initiative highlights the increasing need for awareness and action to protect both human and animal life from the dangers posed by synthetic kite threads, reinforcing the importance of community cooperation in environmental and animal protection efforts.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
