Hussain restores ban on Chinese ‘manjha’

New Delhi, July 18

Environment Minister Imran Hussain today directed the department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) to strictly implement the ban on sale, production, storage, supply, import of Chinese manjha in the city in the upcoming festive season.

The minister, who reviewed the status of implementation of the ban, was informed by Secretary (Environment) that the Delhi government has empowered officers of required level of the Revenue, Wildlife, Delhi Police, MCDs to take action against violators.

“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 the Delhi Police and sanitary inspectors, general licensing inspectors and public health inspectors of the MCDs can take action against the violators,” said a government official.

The Secretary apprised the minister of the 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 the ban effectively.

The government had last year issued a blanket 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 Chinese manjha.

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 capital.

Kite flying in Delhi is only  permissible with cotton thread. Use of sharp/ metallic/ glass components/ thread strengthening materials stands banned, he said, adding that Chinese manjha/ sharp-edged thread for kite flying poses grave risk to wildlife and environment besides risk to humans.

The minister also directed department to issue public notice for the awareness of general public. He also appealed to the public to desist from using Chinese manjha or sharp-edged thread while flying kites.