The National Green Tribunal imposed an interim nationwide ban on use of glass-coated ‘manja’ for flying kites as the sharp string poses a danger to humans, animals and birds.
A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Swatanter Kumar passed the order after noting that ‘manja’, string coated with glass and metal powder and used for flying kites, poses a threat to the environment.
The green panel said that the ban order would apply on nylon, Chinese and cotton manja coated with glass.
It directed Manja Association of India to submit report to Central Pollution Control Board on harmful effects of kite strings.
November 2015 order of the Allahabad High Court banned the use of Chinese manja in entire Uttar Pradesh.
Also ‘manja’ posed a huge threat when it came into contact with live overhead electric wires, leading to grid failure.
Due to ‘manja’ being coated with glass, metals and other sharp material, these strings act as good conductors of electricity, increasing the probability of detached manja strings stuck in power lines, electrocuting kite flyers and passers-by coming into contact with these strings.
PETA also said that minor children were engaged by the cottage industry for the manufacture of ‘manja’ which caused respiratory problems as they inhaled harmful substances which were extremely detrimental to their health.
