Residents are asked not to use nylon or threads coated with synthetic materials while flying kites during the upcoming festival of Makar Sankranti. Navi Mumbai Municipal corporation has sought from the citizens to celebrate the festival responsibly and without causing any damage to the environment.
Makar Sankranti is to be celebrated on January 14.
The civic body through a special notice has stated that as per the order passed on July 11,2017 by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) production, import, storage, sale, purchase and use of biodegradable manja or threads are totally prohibited. “Local municipal bodies have been instructed to strictly enforce these directions as the use of such threads has severe adverse effects,” said an official.
Citizens are permitted to use cotton threads for kite flying, provided they are free from sharp, metallic, or glass coatings. Those caught using Chinese manja or glass-coated threads for kite flying corporations have been informed of enforcing strict penalties, as it violates the rules issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
“Due to numerous accidents involving injuries and deaths of birds and humans caused by these metallic or glass threads, the National Green Tribunal has banned the sale, purchase, storage, and transportation of these materials for kite flying. Such violations can result in imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to ₹1 lakh, or both,” said the official.
