Forest Teams Launch Crackdown on Illegal Kite String in Pilibhit
Forest department teams have fanned out across Pilibhit district. They are conducting surprise raids at kite shops. Their target is Chinese majha. This is a banned synthetic kite string. Despite a nationwide prohibition, it continues to be sold secretly. The string poses severe dangers to both humans and animals.
A History of Harm and Injury
Officials explain the serious risks. The string is razor-sharp and does not break down naturally. It has caused many injuries and deaths in previous years. During last year's kite-flying season, several commuters suffered deep throat cuts. They came into contact with the dangerous string while traveling. More than a dozen birds also died. The victims included endangered Egyptian vultures, herons, and common pigeons. They became entangled in the strong, synthetic thread.
Timing the Drive with Festival Season
Divisional Forest Officer Bharat Kumar launched this week-long search operation. It started on Wednesday afternoon. The timing is strategic. It coincides with the peak kite-flying period between Makar Sankranti and Basant Panchami. Basant Panchami will be observed on January 23. This is when demand for kite strings is highest.
Shop Owners Hide Stock, Officials Go Undercover
Deputy Range Officer Sher Singh is leading raids in Pilibhit city. He noted a challenge. Widespread raids have likely prompted shop owners to hide their stock. They may have removed Chinese majha from their shops. They could be selling it secretly from their homes instead. To counter this, forest staff will adopt a new tactic. They will disguise themselves as customers looking to buy the banned string. This undercover operation aims to bust the clandestine supply chain.
Strict National Ban and Unknown Number of Shops
The law is clear. The manufacture, transport, storage, sale, and use of Chinese majha are all strictly prohibited across India. A forest official highlighted another issue. Kite shops are not licensed. Therefore, their exact number is unknown. However, by estimation, over 500 such shops operate across Pilibhit district during the festive kite-flying days.
Strong Legal Action and Public Appeal
DFO Bharat Kumar issued a stern warning. A common message has been circulated. It states that any person found dealing in Chinese majha will face legal action. They will be booked under the Wildlife Protection Act. Furthermore, the forest department reserves the right to confiscate the properties of defaulters. Kumar also made a public appeal. He urged the general public, especially parents and guardians, to strictly avoid using this dangerous string. He asked people to safely collect and destroy any unusable kite strings. This simple step can help prevent accidental injuries to people and wildlife.
