Nagpur: The much-anticipated annual Kite Festival has once again painted the skies of Nagpur with a kaleidoscope of vibrant colours as Makar Sankranti dawns on January 15 this year. The festivities, in fact, which commenced on Sunday, January 14, saw the Nagpur skies adorned with kites of different hues, shapes, and sizes, accompanied by the joyous cries of “O Paar” and “O Kaat.” But beware: Nagpur cops are keeping a close watch on sale and use of banned nylon manja in the city.
The cityscape transformed into a spectacle as thousands of enthusiastic youngsters, accompanied by elders, gathered on terraces and open grounds to partake in the frenzied peak of kite flying on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti.
In the days leading up to the festival, markets overflowed with kites of various colors and shapes, creating an electrifying buzz. However, amidst the revelry, a dark shadow looms over the celebration – the perilous nylon and glass-coated manja, which poses threats not only to kite enthusiasts but also to birds and other animals.
Despite a nationwide ban imposed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on the sale of nylon and glass-coated manja, the clandestine business continues unabated. The ban was instituted by the NGT due to the imminent danger it poses to humans, birds, and animals. The hazardous manja has proven fatal in numerous cases, leading to concerns about the lackadaisical approach of authorities in enforcing the ban effectively.
The prevalence of the banned manja in the market raises alarming questions about the enforcement of regulations and the commitment of authorities to curb its circulation. Every year, headlines are dominated by reports of fatal mishaps caused by the banned synthetic manja. Despite the risks, the Kite Festival in Nagpur is celebrated with fervent spirits, highlighting the need for a more stringent implementation of the ban.
As the city revels in the joy of kite flying, the underlying issue of hazardous manja casts a somber shadow, urging authorities to take proactive measures to enforce the ban and ensure the safety of both participants and the environment.
Stern action against nylon manja:
Meanwhile, Commissioner of Police (CP) Amitesh Kumar has directed all police station officers to take stern action against usage of nylon manja in Nagpur city limits during ‘Makar Sankranti’ on Monday. He has also instructed to take decisive action against the antisocial elements flying kites on rooftops with loud noise. He stressed that noise pollution resulting from kite flying would not be tolerated.
The CP issued these directives in response to complaints about various groups of antisocial elements engaging in drinking and dancing on the rooftops of their houses during the kite-flying festival of ‘Makar Sankranti’. The CP has directed police station officers to enhance patrolling during daylight hours and prevent locals from engaging in anti-social activities and also using banned nylon manja.
Zonal Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCP) have also received instructions to coordinate and supervise the activities of police station-level officers. Additionally, the Detective Branch (DB) squads of each police station have been tasked with gathering information on locals participating in such illegal activities. Furthermore, police teams will conduct inspections to monitor the use of Nylon manja (kite string) and take strict action against those found using it.
12 fly-overs closed for traffic:
The Nagpur traffic police have shut 12 flyovers for vehicular movement from 6 am to 6 pm on Monday on account of Makar Sankranti as many persons riding on two-wheelers were injured due to nylon manja in the past.
According to press release, Adiwasi Gowari Memorial Flyover Sitabuldi, Sakkardara fly-over, Dighori fly-over, Golibar Pachpaoli fly-over, Kadbi Square to Sadar Akar Building flyover, Coca Cola Square fly-over, Dahi Bazaar fly-over, Mehandibagh fly-over, Ram Jhula to LIC square fly-over, Kalpana talkies square to Mankapur Sports complex square, Sadar fly-over (Katol Road), Manish Nagar fly-have been closed for the all vehicular traffic during above time period.
