In a decisive crackdown on the sale of the banned Chinese ‘manjha,’ the Uttarakhand police have registered 11 FIRs against shopkeepers found selling the hazardous kite string. This comes in the wake of a tragic incident on January 1, where a biker in Haridwar lost his life after the synthetic thread entangled around his neck while returning home from work.
Of the 11 FIRs, eight were registered in Haridwar, while three were filed in Dehradun, according to officials. The Haridwar police also recovered and destroyed 150 boxes of the nylon-coated string during a special drive aimed at curbing the sale of the dangerous material.
Banned Since 2017
Chinese ‘manjha,’ a synthetic nylon string coated with abrasive materials like powdered glass or metal, has been banned in India since 2017 due to its non-biodegradable nature and significant risks to public safety, wildlife, and the environment. The ban was enforced by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) in its 2017 order, which directed all states and union territories to prohibit the manufacture, sale, and use of such kite strings.
Public Safety and Legal Action
Highlighting the crackdown, Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramendra Dobhal stated, “The accidents caused by Chinese ‘manjha’ have drawn nationwide concern. In Haridwar, a biker’s throat was fatally slit by this string. To prevent such tragedies, we have confiscated and destroyed bundles of Chinese ‘manjha’ and registered eight FIRs against violators.”
He added, “Traders and shopkeepers are warned against selling Chinese ‘manjha.’ Strict legal action will be taken against offenders.”
In Dehradun, three FIRs were registered, with two in Nehru Colony and one in Doiwala, as confirmed by Dehradun SSP Ajai Singh. He urged the public to report any instances of shopkeepers selling the banned product.
Environmental and Wildlife Threats
Beyond human casualties, the synthetic kite string poses significant threats to birds and the environment. The use of Chinese ‘manjha’ has led to injuries and fatalities among avian species, further amplifying concerns.
The police’s proactive measures, including the destruction of 150 boxes of Chinese ‘manjha,’ reflect a strong commitment to ensuring public safety and enforcing environmental regulations.
Appeal to the Public
Authorities have urged citizens to cooperate in reporting violations and refrain from using or purchasing the banned kite string. The joint efforts of law enforcement and public vigilance are crucial in preventing further tragedies linked to Chinese ‘manjha.’
Sources By Agencies