Ludhiana Bans Deadly Manja: Kite Strings Outlawed

The Ludhiana district administration has implemented a comprehensive ban on Chinese kite string, commonly known as manja, and all other synthetic kite-flying threads. This measure, enforced from December 19, 2025, through February 18, 2026, targets the manufacture, sale, storage, transport, and use of these hazardous materials to protect lives and infrastructure.

The prohibitory orders, issued under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, highlight the severe risks posed by plastic, nylon, or metal-coated strings. These materials have been responsible for numerous injuries and fatalities among pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, as well as devastating harm to birds, including protected species. The non-biodegradable nature of these strings also contributes to environmental hazards.

Furthermore, the synthetic threads are recognized as electricity conductors, increasing the risk of flash-overs on power lines and substations, potentially leading to outages and damage. The administration has stressed that only plain cotton thread, free from any harmful additives, will be permitted for kite flying during this period. Strict legal action will be taken against anyone found violating the ban, alongside intensified public awareness initiatives.