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Bhopal Bans Deadly Chinese 'Manja' Kite String After Spike in Injuries

The Bhopal Police Commissioner has issued an immediate ban on Chinese 'manja' kite string within city limits due to rising reports of severe injuries. The sharp, coated string is notorious for causing deep cuts to motorists, pedestrians, and wildlife, especially ahead of festivals like Makar Sankranti. Authorities are urging the public and shopkeepers to use only safe, cotton-based strings and to report violations. This enforcement aims to prevent tragic accidents and ensure safer celebrations during kite-flying seasons.

Key Points: Bhopal Bans Chinese Kite String (Manja) to Prevent Injuries

  • Immediate ban in Bhopal
  • Severe cuts to people and animals
  • Use safe cotton string instead
  • Legal action for violators
2 min read

Chinese kite string banned in Bhopal amid rising injury reports

Bhopal police ban the sale and use of sharp Chinese 'manja' kite string following severe injury reports. Learn about the risks and the new safety order.

"The prohibition took immediate effect, with violators facing legal action. - Bhopal Police Commissioner"

Bhopal, Dec 24

In response to persistent reports of severe injuries caused by Chinese kite string, commonly known as 'manja', the Bhopal Police Commissioner has imposed a strict ban on its use, sale, purchase, and storage within city limits.

Police Commissioner Harinarayan Chari Mishra issued the order, invoking Section 163(2) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023.

The prohibition took immediate effect, with violators facing legal action.

The ban applies exclusively to Bhopal's metropolitan area and aims to safeguard public safety, particularly ahead of kite-flying seasons like Makar Sankranti.

Chinese manja, coated with glass or metal powder for sharpness, is notorious for causing deep cuts, often to the neck or throat of motorists and pedestrians.

Every year, numerous accidents result in serious, sometimes life-threatening injuries. The abrasive string also poses risks to birds and animals, entangling and harming wildlife, police said.

Though the exact number of victims is yet to be known, the incidences of injuries have been reported in Ujjain, Indore, Vidisha, Bhopal, Raisen and other places.

The administration has urged shopkeepers and citizens to adhere strictly to the ban, promoting the use of safe, cotton-based kite strings instead.

Authorities have appealed for public cooperation, encouraging immediate reports to police about anyone found selling, using, or storing the prohibited Chinese string.

This move follows ongoing concerns over the deadly potential of synthetic manja, which remains a recurring hazard despite periodic enforcement drives.

Similar bans have been enforced in previous years, with renewed crackdowns often timed before festivals involving mass kite flying.

By prohibiting the Chinese kite string entirely, the Bhopal Police aim to prevent tragic incidents and ensure safer celebrations.

Citizens are reminded that traditional, non-abrasive strings allow for enjoyable kite flying without endangering lives.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Finally! My cousin in Indore got a nasty cut on his neck last year from this. It's not just about humans, think of the poor birds and animals. We should go back to using simple cotton thread. The fun is in flying the kite, not in having a dangerous string.
A
Aman W
Good order, but will it be enforced properly? Every year before Sankranti there is a ban announcement, but you can still find this manja being sold in many places. The police need to conduct regular raids on shops, not just issue notices.
S
Sarah B
I'm visiting India and was shocked to learn about this. It's common sense not to use glass-coated string near people and traffic. Public safety should always come first. I hope people cooperate with the ban.
V
Vikram M
This is a matter of life and death. I've seen videos of bike riders getting their throats slit. Why do we need to import such dangerous products from China? We should promote our own safe, traditional alternatives. Jai Hind!
N
Nisha Z
As a mother, I fully support this. Children don't understand the risk. The administration should also run awareness campaigns in schools and colonies about the dangers of Chinese manja. Let's protect our future generation.

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