On January 3, 2025, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) issued a crucial notification outlining the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for its new Reward Scheme aimed at curbing the use of dangerous kite flying threads made of nylon, plastic, or any other synthetic material. This initiative is designed to engage the public in the enforcement of a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, purchase, supply, import, and use of such threads.
Under the new directives, the State Government has imposed a total ban on the use of synthetic kite flying threads, including the widely popular but dangerous “Chinese dor” or “Manjha”. These threads are known to be coated with synthetic substances and pose significant environmental hazards due to their non-biodegradable nature. Furthermore, kite flying threads laced with sharp materials such as glass or metal—often referred to as “sharp manjha”—are now strictly prohibited across Punjab.
Key Points of the Ban:
- Complete ban on synthetic kite flying threads (nylon, plastic, or any other synthetic materials).
- Kite flying with threads made from cotton—free from sharp, metallic, or glass components—is now permitted.
- Kite flying threads with sharp edges, whether by glass, metal, or other materials, are banned due to their harmful impact on the environment, animals, and human safety.
Reward Scheme for Citizens Who Report Violators
To support the effective implementation of the ban, the Punjab Pollution Control Board has launched a Reward Scheme to encourage citizens to provide credible information regarding the manufacture, sale, and use of banned kite flying threads. If the information leads to the identification of violators, after due verification by the State Board, the informer will be rewarded financially.
Here’s how the reward system works:
Confiscation of Banned Material (Weight/Quantity):
- 100-200 items or 200-500 kg : Rs. 5,000
- 200-500 items or 500-1000 kg : Rs. 10,000
- Above 500 items or more than 1000 kg : Rs. 25,000
This incentive is aimed at ensuring widespread public participation in reporting offenders who are either manufacturing or dealing with the banned threads.
A Step Towards Safer and Cleaner Kite Flying
The Punjab government, through this initiative, is not only ensuring a safer environment but is also protecting the lives of people and animals from the dangers posed by sharp and synthetic kite threads. By making cotton kite threads the only permissible option, the state hopes to preserve the traditional joy of kite flying without the environmental and health risks.
Citizens are encouraged to act responsibly and inform the authorities if they come across any violators. The reward system is a part of the government’s broader effort to promote public safety, environmental protection, and community involvement in addressing pollution.
