DELHI:EROS TIMES: Environment Minister, Imran Hussain on Wednesday directed the Department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee to strictly implement the ban on sale, production, storage, supply, import etc., of Chinese Manja in Delhi during the upcoming festive season i.e. Independence Day celebrations and Raksha Bandhan.
The status of implementation of the ban was reviewed in the meeting chaired by the Minister and attended by the Secretary (Environment), Member Secretary Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) and other senior officers of the Environment Department and DPCC.
Use of Chinese Manja/Sharp edged thread for kite flying poses grave risk to wildlife and environment besides risk to injuries/death of human beings.
Delhi Government vide its Notification dated 10.01.2017 has put a complete ban on the sale, production, storage, supply, import, and use of kite flying thread made out of nylon, plastic or any other synthetic material including popularly known as “Chinese Manja”.
Further, any other kite-flying thread that is sharp or made sharp such as by being laced with glass, metal or any other sharp materials is also banned in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. Kite flying in Delhi is permissible only with a cotton thread, free from any sharp/ metallic/ glass components / adhesives/ thread strengthening materials.
Secretary (Environment) informed that the Delhi government has empowered officers of the level of Tehsildars and above in the Revenue Department, Officers of the rank Wildlife Inspectors and above in the Forest Department, Officers of the rank of Sub-Inspectors and above in Delhi Police and Sanitary Inspectors, General Licensing Inspectors and Public Health Inspectors of the MCDs to take action against the violators.
Secretary (Environment) apprised the Minister that Delhi government has already requested Commissioner of Delhi Police, Divisional Commissioner, Commissioners of three MCDs (North, South and East MCDs) for taking necessary action in implementing effective ban on Chinese Manja/Sharp edged thread for flying kites.
The Minister also directed Environment Department to issue public notice for the awareness of general public. He also appealed to the public to desist from using Chinese Manja or Sharp edged thread while flying kites.