Animal Welfare Board Urges States to Ban Hazardous Kite Strings

• 30 Apr 2024

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.