Ahead of the popular festival of Uttarayan, the Ahmedabad city police have enforced a strict prohibitory order to curb unsafe practices linked to kite-flying. The order, aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring public safety, will be effective for ten days.
Key Details of the Police Commissioner's Order
The directive was issued by Ahmedabad Police Commissioner G S Malik on Wednesday. It will remain in force from midnight on January 12 until midnight on January 21 across the entire city. The notification explicitly states that the goal is to prevent accidents, traffic disruptions, injuries to people and animals, and damage to public property during the festive period.
Activities and Items Strictly Prohibited
The comprehensive ban covers a wide range of activities and materials. Authorities have prohibited flying kites from dangerous terraces, public roads, footpaths, and other unsafe locations. The use of loudspeakers at high volumes and flying kites with provocative messages is also banned.
To prevent traffic chaos and accidents, the order stops people from running on roads while carrying long poles, bamboo sticks, or metal hooks to retrieve cut kites.
In a significant move, the police have banned the manufacture, sale, storage, purchase, and use of several hazardous materials. This list includes:
- Chinese manja
- Nylon or synthetic threads
- Glass-coated strings
- Chinese launchers
- Sky lanterns
The notification cites serious risks of injury, death, fire, and harm to birds from these items. Additionally, selling fodder on public roads and feeding cattle on streets are prohibited to avoid obstructions.
What is Permitted and Legal Consequences
The police have clarified that only traditional cotton manja made with biodegradable materials and limited glass coating is permitted for use during the festival. This distinction aims to preserve the cultural tradition while mitigating its most dangerous aspects.
Violators of this order will face legal action under the provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and relevant sections of the Gujarat Police Act. The police are urging citizens to celebrate responsibly and adhere to the guidelines to ensure a safe and joyful Uttarayan for everyone in Ahmedabad.
