Makar Sankranti is around the corner, and colourful kites have already started flying high in the skies of Mumbai. For flying kites, making use of nylon manja or glass-coated manja has proven to be very dangerous.
Recently, a police constable died as his throat was slit by a manja on the Western Express Highway (WEH). These manjas are proven to be life-threatening for animals, birds, and humans as they succumb to injuries caused by manjas.
In response, the state government has outlawed the sale and consumption of this manja under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act of 1986. Yet, its sale and use are still notwithstanding the ban, and it is easily available in many kite-selling markets.
These threads' non-biodegradable remains are scattered across the landscape, clogging soil, drainage pipes, rivers, and streams. Further concerns arise when cows, calves, and other animals eat nylon shards by accident. Therefore, the government implemented the Environment Protection Act.
The authorities warn people about the possible risks each year. In the wake of the untimely death of Mumbai Police Constable Sameer Jadhav from Manja, the police have stepped up their efforts. In places like Sahar, Bangurnagar, Dindoshi, Malvani, and Vakola, crackdowns on street vendors have been launched, leading to seizures and legal actions against vendors.
A senior police inspector said that every year, they raid and file cases against the ones selling ban manja across Mumbai due to the fatalities it causes.
Dongri-Pydhonie is the main market in Mumbai for manja and kites. Manja is shipped to Mumbai from Bareli, Gujarat, and Uttar Pradesh. Several varieties, such as "jarimari manja," are shipped from Bareli to Mumbai and other parts of the country.
Although the government prohibits nylon and glass-coated Manja, the police are still looking for illicit sales, use, and storage of these dangerous strings.
Actions Taken by Police Area Wise:
Bangur Nagar: Manja valued at INR 3,500 was taken during a raid in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar-1, Goregaon West. A complaint was filed against Kusumdevi Mandal.
Malvani: Seller Khalid Shaikh was charged with a crime for having 390 pouches and 27 chakris wrapped in nylon manja.
Sahar: Ten cycles of nylon manja were confiscated from Kailas Mahade when he was apprehended at Aarti General Stores in Andheri (East).
Dindoshi: Karan Sahani was taken into custody at Saxeria Chali, Malad, with suti and nylon manja.
Vakola: 43 packages of nylon manja worth INR 6,050 were found during a store raid; a charge has been filed against shopkeeper Ramchandra Patil.
Under Section 188 of the IPC, as well as Sections 336 and the Environment Protection Act of 1986, cases have been filed against people who use nylon or Chinese and glass-coated manja and violate orders, thus endangering human life.
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