Chinese manja made of plastic or synthetic material, Chinese string or nylon or plastic artificial manja used to fly kites is dangerous to humans as well as birds. Therefore, the use of these has been banned in the Thane municipal area. A total of 255 establishments were inspected in all ward committee areas in the corresponding inspection campaign in the municipal area. They did not find Chinese Manja. However, around 214 kg of single-use plastic was seized during this inspection. Also, a fine of 89 thousand rupees was imposed.
Only cotton thread without sharp metal or glass elements or sticky material as well as thread strengthening agent is allowed for flying kites.
Finely ground glass, metal or other sharp materials are used to make this thread, known as Chinese Manja. The National Green Tribunal has placed restrictions on the manufacture, sale, storage and use of such yarn. As this thread does not decompose biologically, the faecal system, drainage is affected. Also animals are also harmed. Also, since this thread is a conductor of electricity, there is a possibility of power supply interruption due to load on the electrical equipment and power substation.
Investigation started through vigilance teams
As directed by Thane Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao, inspection and seizure drives are being carried out regularly at the ward committee level to prevent the sale, manufacture, storage and use of Chinese manja and synthetic-nylon manja. For this, a vigilance team of tax inspector, sanitation inspector, health inspector, pollution control staff has been formed in each ward committee at assistant commissioner level. Also, the local police have also been informed about this. So far, a total of 255 establishments have been inspected in all ward committee areas in this inspection campaign. They did not find Chinese Manja.
Toll free number and email for complaints
A toll-free number 8657887101 has been made available to citizens to lodge complaints regarding sale, manufacture, storage, supply or use of banned synthetic, nylon manja. Also, a complaint can be registered on pcctmc.ho@gmail.com