Lucknow Flyovers Emerge as Critical Danger Zones Amid Rising Kite String Menace
Flyovers across Lucknow have transformed into major danger zones due to the escalating threat of hazardous kite string, commonly known as "manjha." Over the past one-and-a-half months, this peril has resulted in one tragic death and at least 21 injuries, many of them severe, highlighting a pressing public safety crisis.
Accident Hotspots: Key Flyovers Under Scrutiny
Data compiled from recent incidents reveals that more than half of these accidents occurred on critical flyovers, with Naka, Chowk, Hussainganj, and Nakkhas identified as particularly hazardous locations. In the last 45 days alone, at least seven accidents have been reported on flyovers, including five on the heavily trafficked Naka flyover. Additional significant incidents were recorded at KGMU, Haiderganj, and Purnia flyovers, underscoring the widespread nature of the problem.
Tragic Fatality and Expert Analysis
The most devastating case took place on February 4 at the Haiderganj flyover, where Mohammad Shoaib, a medical representative, lost his life after his throat was slit by the sharp kite string while commuting. Road safety expert Vinod Acharya explained that flyovers have become hotspots for manjha-related injuries due to a combination of high speed and exposure. "On flyovers, two-wheeler riders travel at higher speeds and are more exposed, unlike congested inner roads. The thin, nearly invisible manjha gets stretched across open spaces and, at high velocity, acts like a sharp blade—often hitting the neck or face before the rider even notices," said Acharya.
He further noted that the absence of trees, poles, and other obstructions on flyovers allows the kite string to remain suspended at dangerous heights, significantly increasing the risk of severe injuries. This environmental factor, coupled with the velocity of vehicles, creates a perfect storm for accidents.
Weak Enforcement and Legal Challenges
Despite the gravity of these incidents, enforcement efforts remain alarmingly weak. At least six First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered at police stations such as Bazar Khala, Hussainganj, and Chowk, with charges including culpable homicide not amounting to murder. However, not a single arrest has been made to date, and in several cases, the accused individuals remain unidentified, pointing to significant investigative gaps.
Demands for Action and Preventive Measures
The repeated accidents have ignited calls for stricter enforcement, targeted action against sellers of hazardous manjha, and preventive strategies. Proposals include regular checks on flyovers to remove suspended strings and avert further tragedies. A senior police officer elaborated on the danger, stating, "Bareilly glass-coated manjha is an extremely hazardous variety of kite string prepared by coating synthetic or nylon threads with a paste made of finely crushed glass and strong chemical adhesives."
He highlighted that the majority of injuries in Lucknow cases were caused by manjha originating from Bareilly district. "This process gives the thread a razor-sharp edge and significantly increases its tensile strength, making it far more dangerous than traditional cotton manjha. Unlike conventional kite strings, which tend to snap under pressure, glass-coated manjha remains intact and can stretch across roads, especially on open stretches."
The officer further noted that this variety is commonly manufactured and supplied from Bareilly and nearby regions. Despite bans, it continues to be sold illegally due to its popularity in competitive kite flying, posing an ongoing threat to public safety.
