Nagpur: The Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) intensified its crackdown on the sale, use, and storage of hazardous nylon manja, a sharp string used for kite flying that poses significant risks to public safety and the environment, particularly during the Makar Sankranti festival.
Municipal commissioner Abhijeet Chaudhari issued orders on Tuesday, reinforcing the blanket ban on nylon manja in compliance with a directive issued by the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay high court and the Maharashtra govt's Environment Department.
The ban, enforced under the Environmental Protection Act, prohibits the use, sale, handling, and storage of nylon manja made from plastic or other synthetic materials. NMC has appealed citizens to report violations through its official WhatsApp number at 8600004746 or via its social media accounts (@ngpnmc on Facebook, Instagram, and X).
Despite the ban, Nagpur witnessed many injuries and fatalities among humans and birds during previous festival seasons. NMC warned all kite vendors in the city to strictly adhere to the prohibition, emphasizing that violators will face stringent legal action. This initiative aims to safeguard public health and minimise environmental damage during the festive period.