PNS | DEHRADUN
Local residents have emphasised that the State administration should prioritise identifying the source of the ‘Chinese’ manja rather than merely conducting formal inspections at various shops. This sentiment arose following a recent tragic incident in Haridwar, where a machine operator lost his life due to injuries caused by the kite string coated with powdered glass. Considering this, many local residents have voiced their concerns and urged the authorities to initiate inspections in major markets before significant celebrations like Independence Day, Republic Day and Makar Sankranti.
A kite vendor near Raja Road in Dehradun, Himanshu Thakur said that he has been in the kite-selling business for many years. However, despite being aware of the ban and the harmful effects associated with Chinese Manja, he stated that customers continue to request it annually in the run-up to events like Republic Day and other occasions. He noted that due to consumer demand, shopkeepers like himself are compelled to stock such items. He further emphasised that customers believe such powdered glass coated strings are more durable than other strings used for kite flying.
A 63-year-old local Jagdish Manchanda expressed concern about the recent death in Haridwar caused by a kite string. He said, “Although authorities have implemented a ban on the use of Chinese Manja, it remains popular in the society. Last year, I experienced this first hand while walking in my garden when after a few minutes, I realised that a thread had become entangled around my legs. In attempting to remove it, I used my hands and one of my fingers was cut by the sharp string.” He added that merely conducting inspections at local shops will not resolve the issue and that the authorities must prioritise identifying the source from which this material is being obtained by individuals across the State. Many others have shared similar concerns and have called upon the authorities to trace its origin.
Commenting about the responsibility of the shopkeepers at the market, the president of the Doon Valley Mahanagar Udyog Vyapar Mandal (DVMUVM) Pankaj Masson said that he is not aware of any shopkeeper in the market engaged in the sale of Chinese Manja. He indicated that any illegal activity is detrimental to society. Therefore, concerning the issue of Chinese Manja, it is imperative for the State administration to monitor this matter. He further emphasised that the authorities must concentrate on identifying the origins of such kite strings entering the State and take appropriate action in this regard.
