Beyond Chinese Manjha: Glass-Coated Kite Strings Pose Deadly Threat in Uttar Pradesh
In Uttar Pradesh, the danger extends far beyond the banned Chinese manjha. Indigenous glass-coated kite strings, including varieties known as reel, saddi, and toon, are proving equally hazardous, leading to multiple fatal and injury-causing incidents in recent months.
Persistent Market Violations Despite Existing Bans
Despite a clear prohibition on the manufacture, sale, and use of Chinese manjha, local markets across the state continue to openly sell these glass-coated strings. Many of these dangerous products are sourced from small-scale, unregulated manufacturing units that operate outside the law.
Rajesh Kumar Jaiswal, an organizer of kite-flying competitions, explained the safety standards that should be followed: "The permitted manjha, or reel, during organized kite-flying competitions must be made of cotton thread that breaks when pulled once. Additionally, 2 feet of this thread should bear 1.40 kg weight. If a participant's manjha fails to meet these requirements, they are disqualified from competing."
Jaiswal highlighted the critical gap in enforcement: "However, individuals who fly kites casually from terraces and rooftops rarely follow these safety protocols. They frequently use threads made from synthetic materials and thicker compositions that can cause serious harm upon contact."
Alarming Statistics and Victim Profiles
Police records and hospital reports paint a grim picture of the consequences. Victims predominantly include:
- Two-wheeler riders
- Cyclists
- Pedestrians
Most accidents occur when these nearly invisible strings become entangled around the necks or limbs of commuters moving at speed. In numerous documented cases, riders have lost control of their vehicles after sudden, unexpected contact with kite strings stretched across roads or intersections.
Severe Medical Consequences and Seasonal Risks
Medical professionals at city hospitals report treating injuries ranging from deep lacerations to nerve damage, with some cases involving fatal throat wounds. Doctors emphasize that the risk escalates dramatically during kite-flying seasons and festive periods when the use of glass-coated strings increases substantially.
Resident Concerns and Underground Availability
Rakesh Verma, a resident of Indiranagar, expressed widespread community anxiety: "We consciously avoid stepping out during evening hours because kite strings are often left hanging across lanes and bylanes. This poses particular danger to children and elderly individuals who may not see these hazards in time."
Shabana Khan from Chowk pointed out enforcement inconsistencies: "While authorities occasionally seize Chinese manjha, local glass-coated strings remain readily available in markets without significant interference."
Manish Awasthi from Daliganj revealed how banned materials continue circulating: "You can easily find both Chinese manjha and even steel wire used for kite flying. Shopkeepers simply store prohibited materials in nearby locations, making them accessible to anyone seeking these dangerous products."
The situation underscores an urgent need for comprehensive enforcement that addresses not just Chinese manjha but all forms of hazardous kite-flying materials threatening public safety across Uttar Pradesh.
