MANSI BHAMBRI/Dehradun
Experts stressed the importance of increased vigilance by authorities for enforcing the ban on the sale of Chinese Manjha in the market, to prevent the harm caused by such glass-coated kite strings. This recommendation follows a recent viral video showing a man rescuing a bird that had become entangled in the hazardous Chinese Manjha.
The experts noted that regardless of the occasion—be it Independence Day, Makar Sankranti or any other celebration—locals frequently engage in kite flying using this dangerous material which is a significant concern. With Makar Sankranti approaching on January 14, they have urged that, for the safety of both the public and animals, residents should not use Chinese Manjha.
Government affairs specialist at Mercy for Animal, Niharika Kapoor said that despite a ban, the sale and usage of this material persist due to inadequate enforcement by the authorities concerned. She said that Chinese Manjha, which is coated in glass, poses a danger to both animals, including birds and street animals, as well as humans. Kapoor pointed out that kite flying occurs most during times when birds are flying in the sky and the sharp string can harm birds, sometimes leading to severe injuries like harm to feathers and cuts to the neck.
Additionally, discarded strings can be harmful to street animals if ingested and it can also threaten human safety by becoming entangled around their neck while riding a two-wheeler. Given these concerns, she urged authorities to conduct regular inspections of Chinese Manjha sales and before any celebration, the government should raise public awareness about this, accompanied by advisories about the use of such strings. She emphasised that the Chinese Manjha poses significant risks as it is non-biodegradable and harmful to the environment.
“I have heard of numerous incidents involving harm to both animals and people due to such strings, which is indeed a serious issue,” stated social activist and the founding president of the Rajpur Community Initiative, Reenu Paul.
She further said that the use of Chinese Manjha has already been banned but it remains readily available. She pointed out that it poses substantial risks to both animals and humans. The government cannot be solely blamed for this issue, as traders are dishonestly selling it for minor profits. She stressed that the authorities should be more vigilant regarding the presence of such strings, conduct inspections and impose heavy fines on those found selling it. Instead of low fines, there should be heavy fines for the sale of Chinese Manjha, which will be more effective in stopping its sale and use, she added.
