Police warn of strict action against Chinese manja ahead of Sankranti

City Police Commissioner Shankhabrata Bagchi on Wednesday said that Chinese manja has been completely banned under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, and warned that strict criminal action would be taken against anyone involved in its sale, storage, transportation or use ahead of the Sankranti festival.

The Commissioner said the synthetic thread poses a serious threat to public safety and the environment. Referring to incidents reported in previous years, he said several two-wheeler riders had suffered serious and even fatal injuries after Chinese manja got entangled around their necks. He added that children have lost fingers and sustained severe injuries while flying kites, and that birds trapped in the sharp thread often die. Contact with electric lines could also result in electric shock, fires and loss of life, he cautioned.

Mr Bagchi said special surveillance and surprise inspections would be carried out across the city during the festival season, and that police would take strict action against those found selling, storing or transporting Chinese manja.

Appealing to parents, the Commissioner urged them to ensure that children fly kites only with traditional cotton thread and to personally supervise them to prevent the use of the banned manja.

He also called upon the public to report any illegal sale or storage of Chinese manja by dialling 112, contacting the City Police Commissioner’s personal number at 7995095799, or informing the nearest police station.