China dor: A growing hazard for service providers and civic safety

The widespread use of China dor, a synthetic kite string, has become a growing challenge for employees in civic bodies, power supply, and public transport departments who have been working tirelessly to ensure uninterrupted services during the harsh winter.

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This unbreakable and non-degradable string not only poses a hazard to humans, animals, and birds, but it also obstructs cleaning efforts, blocks drains, and causes frequent power outages, particularly during rainy weather. What was once a recreational activity, kite flying has turned into a nightmare for local authorities and service providers.

Kite flying with China dor has led to increased injuries to people and animals, prompting law enforcement to conduct raids against illegal kite stockpiling. The Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) has issued repeated appeals to curtail the activity, as the string is responsible for frequent power tripping and damage to power equipment.

“China dor and traditional Manjha cause regular disruptions for us. The unbreakable nature of China dor can snap power lines, and the damp conditions of rain or fog cause the manjha to conduct electricity, leading to power failures,” said Ashu Bains, president of the PSPCL Employees Union.

Sanitation workers are also struggling with the growing problem, as they encounter tangled China dor in heaps of garbage. “The waste tangled with China dor during this cold weather puts our workers at greater risk. It’s also clogging the sewerage pipelines,” said Chaman Lal Dulla, an office bearer of the Safai Mazdoor Union.

Despite the hazards posed to public health, safety, and infrastructure, there seems to be limited regard for the law and its enforcement in the face of widespread kite flying with China dor.