PPCB seizes 1,200 spools of synthetic kite string
Following a tip-off on the helpline number, the Punjab Pollution Control Board on Thursday seized 1,200 spools of synthetic kite flying string, popularly known as dragon dor or Chinese kite string, from Ghee Mandi area.
This was the first seizure in Amritsar after the PPCB issued a helpline number about the illegal sale purchase of the banned kite string five days ago.
After getting information, a team of the PPCB led by SDO Jasmeet Singh raided the spot and confiscated 12 boxes containing the string.
“The informer shared the number of the truck and the transport address where the banned string was being unloaded. The consignment, arrived from Karnal district in Haryana, was to be delivered to Nikhil Gupta in Jandiala Guru,” said Jasmeet Singh, while adding that the seized string was handed over to the police station concerned for further action. He said that in the bill, the boxes were showcased as containing textile yarn in order to dodge the police and the raiding PPCB teams.
Taking a serious note of rampant sale of the banned kite string, the PPCB launched a toll free number 1800-180-2810 five days ago while urging people to share information regarding illegal sale and storage of the Chinese string. It also announced a reward of Rs 25,000 for the informer by assuring him of keeping his name confidential.
The National Green Tribunal, Government of Punjab, Department of Science and Environment in exercise of the powers conferred under the Environment (protection) Act issued a notification in July 2023 completely banning the manufacturing, sale, storage, purchase, supply, import and use of kite flying thread made of nylon, plastic or any other synthetic material, including Chinese dor or Manjha and any other synthetic kite flying thread, which is coated with synthetic substance or is non-biodegradable as well as any other kite flying string that is sharp or made sharp by being laced with glass, metal or any other sharp material in Punjab.
If any person violates the provisions issued under the Environment Protection Act, he would be liable to penalty which shall not be less than Rs 10,000, but may extend to Rs 15 lakh. The violator could also be sentenced for five years and/or imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh or both.
