Ahead of Independence Day, PETA India Holds Enforcement Workshop With Delhi Police for Ban on Dangerous Kite-Flying Thread
Ahead of Independence Day, PETA India organised a workshop for senior officers of the Delhi police force from the North Delhi district to discuss and create an action plan for implementing a ban on all forms of manja in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, as directed by the lieutenant governor on 11 January 2017. The workshop was supported by the North Delhi’s deputy commissioner of police.
The event was intended to inform police officials that all forms of manja, including bareilly ka manja, are banned in the National Capital Territory of Delhi and that anyone found selling, producing, storing, or using it is liable to be punished under Section 15 of The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. The punishment can include imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh, or both. The North Delhi district is an area where the use of manja is traditionally widespread.
A Gazette of India notification from the Delhi government, dated 10 January 2017, bans the sale, production, storage, supply, importation, and use of all forms of manja to prevent harm to humans, birds, and other animals as well as the environment. Kite-flying is permissible only with a plain cotton thread free of any adhesives, strengthening materials, or sharp, metallic, or glass components.
Last year, after receiving complaints from PETA India, Delhi police seized about 100 kilograms of manja from various shops in Lal Kuan kite market in Gandhi Nagar, East Delhi. Delhi police also registered first information reports against the offenders under the Indian Penal Code for violations of the law.
Thousands of birds are killed every year when they’re cut or trapped by manja, which can get caught on trees or buildings for weeks. In February, a young motorcyclist died in the Timarpur area after his neck had been slashed by sharp manja. In July, a 3-year-old girl died after a stray piece of manja cut her uncle’s neck, causing him to lose control of the motorcycle they were riding.
Please help stop the sale and use of sharp manja across India immediately.
