In a significant move for public safety, the Chhattisgarh High Court has issued stringent directives for the complete enforcement of the ban on deadly Chinese manja across the state. The court's decisive action comes after reviewing a comprehensive compliance report from authorities.
Court Closes Suo Motu Case After Assurance
The division bench, comprising Chief Justice Ramesh Sinha and Justice Ravindra Kumar Agrawal, formally closed the suo motu public interest litigation after being satisfied with the implementation status. The court had originally taken up the matter in response to growing concerns about the hazardous kite strings causing numerous accidents and fatalities.
What Makes Chinese Manja So Dangerous?
The banned Chinese manja represents a serious threat to both human life and wildlife due to several critical factors:
- Glass-coated composition: The strings are coated with powdered glass or metal particles
- Non-biodegradable material: Made from synthetic fibers that don't decompose naturally
- Conductive properties: Poses extreme risk of electrocution when contacting power lines
- Razor-sharp edges: Capable of causing severe cuts and fatal injuries
Widespread Impact on Society and Environment
The dangerous kite strings have been responsible for numerous tragic incidents across India:
Human casualties: Multiple deaths and serious injuries reported among pedestrians, motorcyclists, and children
Wildlife devastation: Thousands of birds, including protected species, suffer gruesome deaths from entanglement
Power disruptions: Frequent electricity outages caused by manja tangling with transmission lines
Authorities Directed for Continuous Vigilance
The High Court has mandated that district administrations and police authorities maintain constant surveillance to prevent any resurgence of Chinese manja usage. Regular inspections at shops selling kite-flying equipment and strict action against violators have been emphasized.
The court's proactive approach demonstrates the judiciary's commitment to protecting citizens and wildlife from preventable harm. This ruling sets a strong precedent for other states grappling with similar safety concerns related to dangerous kite-flying materials.