New Delhi: On Tuesday, the use of ‘Chinese’ manja or kite strings was banned with immediate effect by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the grounds that it posed threat to life and the environment.
The tribunal directed all state governments to prohibit the “manufacture, sale, storage, purchase, and use” of synthetic manja or nylon threads and all other synthetic threads (non-biodegradable) that are used for flying kites.
It also ordered the authorities to ban the import of any synthetic manja, nylon thread, and other similar threads coated with synthetic substances across the country.
“Looking at the deep-rooted tradition of kite flying in our country, which has become part of our various festivals, the ill-effects of Chinese manja has not only resulted in injuries to birds, animals and human beings, but the number of fatal accidents has also increased. Thus, interference is called for by this tribunal,” a bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar said.
The judgment came on a plea filed by animal rights body People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Khalid Ashraf and others. It contended that manja posed a grave threat to humans and animals as every year a number of deaths are caused by it. Although kite flying with manja has been a sport and recreational activity in the country since time immemorial, the strings endanger the lives of birds, animals and human beings and damage the environment, the bench said.
“All chief secretaries of states and Union Territories are directed to enforce prohibition on manufacture and use of synthetic manja/nylon thread for flying kites throughout the country,” the bench said.
“The state governments/UTs/chief secretaries/District Collectors are directed that in case of violation of any of the directions given in this judgment, appropriate steps be taken against the defaulters,” it said.
