Thane: The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has launched a toll-free number 8657887101 for complaints regarding the sale, production, and use of Chinese manjha during kite-flying activities.
TMC officials said that they have restricted or banned the use of Chinese manjha, synthetic kites, and nylon thread strings made from plastic or other hazardous materials. The use of these threads for kite-flying activities poses significant risks and harms to humans and birds.
An official from TMC said that they categorically specified that the cotton threads without (free)sharp metal or glass components, adhesives, or strengthening agents are allowed for use during kite flying activities.
Chinese manja is made from finely ground glass, metal, or other sharp substances which make it dangerous and pose a significant risk to humans and birds. The National Green Tribunal has already imposed restrictions on the production, sale, storage, and use of such thread. These threads are non-biodegradable, which affects the sewage system and drainage. Animals can be at risk if they eat these threads.
According to the officials from the Thane Municipal Corporation, they stated that they are carrying out an inspection campaign drive across Thane often to prevent the sale, production, storage, and use of Chinese majha synthetic-nylon manja.
A vigilance team led by assistant Municipal Commissioner and includes tax inspectors, sanitation inspectors, health inspectors, and pollution control staff from all wards of TMC. According to TMC officials, they have inspected a total of 255 establishments across Thane, but they did not find Chinese majha.
Case studies:-
A 46-year-old motorcyclist Sanjay Harare, a resident of Ulhasnagar died when a nylon manja slit his throat in Bhiwandi on the month of January 2023. The incident happened on the Balasaheb Thackeray flyover on the evening of the Makar Sakranti festival. Sanjay Hazare, a resident of Ulhasnagar, was riding on his bike when suddenly the nylon string of a kite got entangled around his neck and slit his throat. Sanjay then lost balance and fell from the bike and he died on the spot.
How Chinese Manjha made:-
Composition. Traditionally, it is made on fine pure cotton thread coated with a mixture of rice glue, tree gums or similar natural ingredients and finely powdered glass, aluminum oxide or zirconia alumina for the abrasive. A relatively recent introduction, China manja, is based on non biodegradable synthetic fibers.
