Animal Welfare Board Urges States to Ban Hazardous Kite Strings

On 29th April, 2024, the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) called for a decisive action to ban dangerous kite strings, urging all states and Union Territories to outlaw hazardous manja and permit only plain cotton string for kite-flying activities.

Key Points

AWBI's Request: The AWBI has urged states and union territories to amend notifications under the Environmental Protection Act, 1986, to prohibit the use of hazardous manja for kite-flying.
Concerns Raised by PETA: PETA India has raised urgent appeals highlighting the grave risks posed by sharp kite strings, advocating for the ban on cotton kite strings reinforced with glass powder or metal.
Recognition of Dangers: PETA India appreciates AWBI's recognition of the dangers posed by manja, emphasizing the need to protect both animals and humans from such lethal weapons.
Impact on Animals: Manja poses severe risks to birds and other animals, leading to injuries such as slashed wings and feet, often resulting in slow and painful deaths.
Government Actions: Several governments, including Chandigarh, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Punjab, have responded to appeals by PETA India by issuing notifications to prohibit nylon "Chinese" manja and glass- and metal-coated "desi" kite string.
Joining Initiatives: These states join others like Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, and Tripura, which have already implemented directives to ban hazardous kite strings, demonstrating a collective effort to safeguard animal and human life.