Cuttack: At least 11 people were injured in Odisha’s Balasore district after coming into contact with manja kite strings on Wednesday, highlighting the dangers of the banned glass-coated threads.
Of the 11 victims, four suffered deep cuts on their faces, three on their necks and four on their hands while flying kites and commuting through areas where kite flying was taking place. Police confirmed that most of the injuries occurred near busy roads, where kite enthusiasts were using the sharp synthetic strings despite restrictions.
Among them was a 50-year-old man, who suffered a deep cut after a kite string suspected to be coated with manja got entangled around his neck while he was riding his motorcycle on the Tamulia bridge on OT Road. The incident took place at around 5.15 when the victim, Bhagirath Behera of Nilgiri, was returning home after visiting the Bhusandeswar He was rushed to the district headquarters hospital and was discharged after his condition stabilised.
Similar incidents were reported in other districts.
In Dhenkanal, a 23-year-old youth, Abhishek Sahoo, was critically injured in Meena Bazar when a kite string sliced into his nose and fingers.
In Bhubaneswar, a biker sustained serious facial injuries after being entangled in a kite string on January 13. Meanwhile, 2 motorcyclists were left critically injured at Bayalish Mouza in Cuttack after banned Chinese manja wrapped around their necks.
The use of manja threads, made of nylon or synthetic fiber coated with powdered glass, has long been banned in Odisha due to their lethal nature. These strings are razor-sharp and can cause severe lacerations, nerve damage, and even fatalities. Beyond human injuries, they also pose risks to birds and can disrupt power lines.
Despite the ban and strict guidelines by the Orissa High Court, enforcement remains a challenge.
Kite flyers continue to use manja during festivals like Makar Sankranti, citing its strength and competitive advantage. Enforcement agencies also conducted drives and raids at several cities across Odisha, including Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri and seized manja threads ahead of Makar Sankranti.
Despite monitoring by authorities, the threads remain widely available in local markets and at higher prices in the black market. Doctors warn that even minor cuts from manja can lead to infections or permanent scarring, while animal welfare groups emphasise the devastating impact on birds.
