Mumbai police imposes ban on sell of kites ahead of Makar Sankranti

To prevent fatalities among people and birds, this year, the Mumbai police has banned the use, sale and storage of nylon kite strings or manjha ahead of Makar Sankranti festival which will be celebrated on 15th January. The police have imposed a ban on the use of nylon manjha from January 12 to February 10, 2023 as per the order issued on January 5 2023.

It is observed that nylon kite strings, made of plastic or other synthetic materials, often result in injuries and in some cases, people as well as birds have lost their lives. Last year in December, a 45-year-old man lost his life after sustaining a deep wound on his throat due to a stray nylon manja in Pune.

The nylon strings are equally harmful as they are non-biodegradable and can block sewers and pollute water. As per the order, people found using, selling and storing nylon kite strings will be penalised under section 188 (disobeying order issued by public servant) of the Indian Penal Code, a police official said.

To mark the occasion of Makar Sankranti festival, which is also known as Uttarayana or Maghi, people fly kites as a part of celebration. This festival is celebrated with great fervour across several Indian states and in others it coincides with other festivals such as Magh Bihu in Assam, Maghi in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu and Ghughuti in Uttarakhand.