New Delhi:
The festival of Makar Sankranti is celebrated every year on 14-15 January. There is a tradition of flying kites on this day. Where colorful kites flying in the sky give happiness. At the same time, the string of this kite also becomes the cause of someone’s death. Every year around Makar Sankranti, incidents of death due to Chinese Manjha are reported. Despite the strictness of the administration, the use of banned Chinese manjha continues. Let us understand what is Chinese Manjha? How is this so dangerous? What are the restrictions regarding Chinese Manjha in India:-
What is Chinese Manjha?
Mostly Chinese Manjha has started being used for flying kites. It is made of a mixture of plastic and metal. Chinese Manjha is much sharper than normal Manjha. It is an electric conductor, which means that there is a risk of electric shock in Chinese manja. This manja does not break easily. This is the reason why many birds and even humans die after getting trapped in it. Till about a decade ago, Chinese Manjha used to come to the Indian market via Nepal. It was banned, but its factories opened in every city.
Delhi: Chinese manjha took away the freedom of birds, 277 birds were saved within 15 days
How is this manja prepared?
Some people also call Chinese Manjha as plastic Manjha. Chinese Manjha is not made from threads like other Manjha. It is made from nylon and metallic powder. Aluminum oxide and lead are mixed in it. After this, this manjha is sharpened with glass or iron powder, due to which this manjha becomes even more deadly. This manja looks like plastic and is stretchable. When we pull this string, instead of breaking it becomes bigger. When a kite is flown from this manja, a different vibration is produced in it.
What is the ban on Chinese Manjha in India?
The government has banned Chinese Manjha. Those buying and selling it can face imprisonment of up to 5 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh under Section 15 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Under Section 188 of the Indian Judicial Code, there can be a punishment of up to 6 months or a fine. Under Section 11 of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, there is a provision of fine up to Rs 50,000 and imprisonment of 5 years. The district administration and police conduct raids on those selling Chinese Manjha. If caught, he can be arrested immediately. Even after this the use of Chinese Manjha continues.
Delhi: 7 people selling Chinese Manjha arrested, police swung into action after girl’s death
Where is Chinese Manjha banned?
Chinese Manja has been banned in Delhi since 2017. Apart from this, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh
In such states too, both the sale and use of Chinese Manjha is banned under the Environment Protection Act 1986.
Delhi High Court and National Green Tribunal i.e. NGT have clearly stated at different times that kite flyers can fly kites only with cotton thread. Despite this, shopkeepers sell Chinese Manjha… and accidents also keep happening.
Still, how does the sale happen?
Illegal sale of Manjha is going on indiscriminately in the colonies of Delhi. Especially those places which are away from main Delhi and illegal areas. The demand for Chinese Manjha is high. There is also more savings on that. This Manjha is easily sold for Rs 200 to Rs 1000. Many times, customers agree to pay Rs 800 to Rs 1000 for this manja instead of Rs 300.
Chinese manjha took the life of a 6 year old innocent, despite the ban, the ‘string of death’ was being sold
What kind of accidents happen due to Chinese tractors?
-In Betul, Madhya Pradesh, a doctor’s nose was cut off after being hit by a Chinese manjha. He had to get 10 stitches on his nose.
-In Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, a young man’s throat was cut after getting trapped in a Chinese manjha. Somehow his life was saved.
In Churu, Rajasthan, a bike rider’s throat was cut due to a Chinese manjha. These three accidents happened within the last 24 hours.
-Two days ago, Constable Shahrukh was on duty in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Were going on motorcycle. Then the manja got stuck in the neck. He fell there. He died in agony.
-In January 2024, an army soldier going on duty in Hyderabad was hit by a Chinese tractor. His motorcycle fell. The soldier died on the spot.
-Similarly, in December 2023, a child traveling on a motorcycle with his father in Dhar, Madhya Pradesh, died after being hit by a Chinese tractor. The kite string was stuck in the child’s neck.
-A similar accident happened in Delhi in July 2022. A 30 year old youth died on Haiderpur flyover. He was going home on a motorcycle. His throat was cut with a Chinese manja.
-Birds are more at risk from Chinese Manjha than humans. The job of birds is to fly, but the Chinese Manjha is so dangerous that even birds are not safe from it.
Delhi Police’s big operation against ‘Killer Manjhe’, 12143 rolls recovered, 4 accused arrested
What precautions are necessary to avoid Chinese Manja?
Bike riders are advised to wear a helmet and cover their face completely.
-Bikers should install anti-Chinese manja guards.
– Advise children to avoid touching Chinese Manjha.
-One should be cautious while walking and cover the neck with a scarf. Often a person’s throat gets cut with this manja.
