Kite flying this August 15 will see one major difference. ‘Chinese’ kite strings or manja, made of nylon or any synthetic material has been banned with immediate effect by the National Green Tribunal on July 11. The ban came has been imposed as the materials used to make such manja or kite strings are non-biodegradable and pose a threat to life and the environment. The green court has also directed all state governments to prohibit the manufacture, sale, storage, purchase and use of the product with immediate effect. The official order states that looking at the deep-rooted tradition of kite flying in our country which has become part of our various festivals, the ill-effects of Chinese manja is proving to be harmful not only for the environment but to birds and animals and thus interference is called for by the tribunal.
The bench which was headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar added, “All chief secretaries of states and Union Territories are directed to enforce prohibition on manufacture and use of synthetic manja/nylon thread for flying kites throughout the country.”
The order also stated that in case of violation of any of the directions given in this judgment, appropriate steps be taken against the defaulters under the provision of Environment (Protection) Act, 1986; Prevention of Cruelty of Animal Act, 1960; Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, the Indian Penal Code or any other provision of law.
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