Despite ban, Chinese kite string available in markets

Patiala, January 17

Every few months, the district administration issues orders banning Chinese kite strings and announces inspections in markets to keep a check on the sale of this ‘manja’. Orders banning the sale and storage of the string are already in place, but recent information gathered by The Tribune reveals that the imported string is available markets of the city.

The imported string is laced with powdered glass or metal, which makes it sturdy. It causes harm to birds and has also proved to be deadly for commuters, as cases of string-related accidents have been reported across the state.

In 2017, the National Green Tribunal mandated a ban on the use of kite strings that were made of nylon, synthetic materials, or coated with synthetic substances and were non-biodegradable. Numerous tragic accidents caused by the use of this imported string highlight the lack of effective measures taken to enforce the ban.

A senior official said that ban orders are already in place and a surprise raid will be conducted soon.

Reason for ban

The imported string is laced with powdered glass or metal, which makes it sturdy. It causes harm to birds and has also proved to be deadly for commuters, as cases of string-related accidents have been reported across the state.