A motorcyclist from Khanna has narrowly escaped a fatal injury after becoming the latest victim of the notorious "China Dor," the illegal plastic-coated kite string that continues to endanger lives across Punjab despite stringent prohibitions. The incident underscores the persistent threat posed by this hazardous material, which has been banned nationwide but remains widely available and used.
Close Call on Focal Point Flyover
Ravikant, a resident of Lalheri Road in Khanna, was commuting home from work via the Focal Point flyover when disaster struck. A snapped line of the razor-sharp "China Dor" string suddenly appeared, wrapping around him with little warning. The string sliced through his clothing, inflicting deep and severe gashes across his chest and arm. In a chilling near-miss, the line missed his jugular vein by mere inches, a factor that could have turned the accident into a tragedy.
Emergency Medical Response and Recovery
The severity of the bleeding from Ravikant's wounds necessitated an urgent medical transfer. Initially treated at Khanna's Civil Hospital, he was quickly moved to specialized care facilities in Patiala to address the critical injuries. From a private hospital where he is now receiving treatment, Ravikant recounted the terrifying moment, stating, "The string appeared suddenly and wrapped around me; I had no time to react." His condition has since stabilized, but the physical and emotional scars remain.
His mother, Kailash Rani, expressed profound relief at his survival, describing it as a "miracle." She has joined the growing chorus of voices demanding a heavy-handed crackdown on vendors who continue to sell the banned string, emphasizing the need for stronger action to prevent such incidents in the future.
Persistent Enforcement Challenges
Despite intensified police enforcement efforts and frequent seizures of the banned rolls, the persistence of these "miracle" escapes is raising urgent questions about the effectiveness of current measures. The flow of illegal stock into the hands of local kite flyers appears unabated, with the lethal thread still being sold openly and used to fly kites across the region.
Calls for Comprehensive Action
Victims and their families are increasingly vocal in their criticism, arguing that enforcement is often a facade. They point to the ongoing availability of "China Dor" as evidence that more needs to be done. The injured individuals and their loved ones are now calling for a complete crackdown on the entire supply chain, from manufacturers to vendors, to stem the tide of these dangerous materials.
The Punjab government and local police claim to be "acting tough" with their enforcement strategies, but the reality on the ground suggests otherwise. Commute routes in areas like Khanna and beyond have turned into gauntlets of razor-sharp wire, with the banned string continuing to claim victims and pose a significant public safety hazard.
This incident in Khanna serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against illegal kite flying accessories. As communities grapple with the risks, the demand for more effective solutions and stricter accountability grows louder, highlighting the need for a multi-faceted approach to ensure public safety and compliance with the ban.
