Hazardous kite string

THE recent spate of tragic incidents involving the banned Chinese manja during kite-flying festivals across India serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for action to curb this menace. The deaths or injuries underscore the gravity of the problem and demand immediate attention of the authorities, policymakers and the public. Thirteen-year-old Jasveer Singh of Adampur, Punjab, died after his throat was slit by the Chinese string while he was riding home on a scooter earlier this week. In January, six bikers — four in Gujarat and one each in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh — became victims of the prohibited string. A farmer in Nashik, Maharashtra, sustained a severe neck laceration, requiring 150 stitches.

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In 2017, the National Green Tribunal had ordered a countrywide ban on the Chinese manja. However, the string continues to inflict harm on unsuspecting people and wildlife. There are numerous reports of birds suffering grievous injuries or dying after getting entangled in the razor-sharp string.

Along with the public shunning the deadly string, it is imperative that the authorities heed the calls for strict enforcement of the ban on the Chinese manja by intensifying surveillance, cracking down on underground markets and imposing stringent penalties on violators. Also, awareness campaigns must be conducted to alert people about the grave risks associated with the manja and encourage them to use safe, environment-friendly alternatives. The joy of kite-flying must not be eclipsed by the spectre of mishaps.