Puri: Police launched a special enforcement drive to curb the sale and use of banned Chinese manja – glass-coated kite threads – in Puri on Tuesday, ahead of Makar Sankranti on January 14.
Raids were conducted across several markets, kite shops and commercial establishments in the holy city, where 70 bundles of illegal manja threads were seized.
Police officials stated that strict warnings and instructions have been issued to vendors, warning them against stocking or selling the hazardous material or face legal action. Chinese manja made up of synthetic or nylon kite strings laced with glass used for flying kites are notorious for causing accidents, injuries and posing fatal risks to both humans and birds as they lie around during and after kite flying season.
The crackdown comes as kite flying traditionally peaks during Makar Sankranti which is on Wednesday, drawing thousands of participants to the beach city. However, the use of Chinese manja has led to numerous accidents in recent years, including deep cuts, damage to power lines, causing accidents by catching drivers unaware and harm to birds and animals. The practice continues widely despite guidelines issued by the Orissa High Court that mandate strict enforcement against the sale and use of hazardous kite strings.
Senior police officers in Puri emphasised that violators will face legal action under relevant sections of law. Awareness drives are also being carried out to encourage citizens to use cotton thread or eco-friendly alternatives during the festival.
