Maharashtra Govt Imposes Ban on Deadly Threads to Save Humans, Birds and Environment

The Maharashtra government has recently taken a step towards protecting the environment in the state by banning the use of hazardous kite flying threads, known as "Chinese manja" or "Chinese dor," throughout the state.

The environment and climate change department (ECCD) issued the notice on March 1. The ban is a positive decision to protect humans, animals, and the environment. The decision to ban the use of these threads is immediate.

The state government's notification stated that the sale, production, storage, supply, and use of nylon or synthetic thread coated with glass, metal, or any other sharp object is prohibited.

This ban includes the purchase, sale, production, storage, supply, and use of any thread made of nylon, synthetic material, or any other material coated with sharp items such as metal or glass. It aims at protecting humans, birds, animals, and the environment, as these threads cause fatal injuries to humans and birds and harm the environment by blocking streams, drainage systems, and sewers. Furthermore, these threads are non-biodegradable, and if swallowed by animals, they suffocate them to death.

In addition to this, the thread has also caused injuries to motorcycle riders in the past.

Unfortunately, many deaths and injuries are reported each year due to high-flying duels, mostly involving kids and motorcycle riders. Sanjay Hazare, a 47-year-old man, died on the last Makar Sankranti in Bhiwandi when the nylon thread from a kite sliced his throat as he was riding a motorcycle.

The ban only permits kite flying with cotton threads that do not contain any sharp material, thereby reducing the risk of injuries and deaths caused by high-flying duels. Conservationists, such as BN Kumar, an environmental campaigner and director of Natconnect Foundation, praised the ban, calling it a wise decision. Kumar believes that the state government should have taken action sooner.

Kite flying is a popular activity during celebrations in Maharashtra, such as Makar Sankranti and Independence Day, where kite flyers engage in aerial duels, and the Chinese manjas are a popular choice.

The National Green Tribunal had already banned such threads in December 2016 for the same reasons. Cotton threads free of any sharp metal, glass, components, adhesives, or thread-strengthening material can be used for kite flying. Such threads have proved to not harm living beings in the past.