Hyderabad: The Cyberabad police have issued a stern public warning against the use of Chinese manja synthetic kite strings coated with glass or metal citing its increasing link to severe injuries and fatal accidents in the city.
Describing it as a growing public hazard, the police said that manja, while used in the joy of kite flying, becomes a deadly threat when it falls on roads. The sharp, non-biodegradable nylon threads have caused life-threatening injuries, especially to two-wheeler riders in areas such as Miyapur, Chandanagar, Madhapur, Hitec City, Kukatpally, and Gachibowli.
One such case involved a biker on Balanagar road who suffered a deep neck injury when a manja string struck him mid-traffic. Manja lines, stuck to trees or electric wires after being flown from rooftops, are becoming frequent triggers for road mishaps.
Chinese manja causes injuries to people and animals alike
Police noted that Chinese manja, made from nylon or synthetic fibers and coated with glass powder or metal dust, is extremely sharp. A single strand wrapping around a person’s neck at high speed can cause heavy bleeding and pose a fatal risk.
The threat isn’t limited to humans. Birds such as sparrows, crows, and kites have been found dead or injured with manja tangled in their wings. Street animals have also suffered leg injuries after getting entangled in discarded threads.
In response, Cyberabad police said they will take strict legal action against anyone selling, transporting, storing, or using Chinese manja. This year alone, 53 cases have been booked against manja vendors within the Cyberabad commissionerate.
Cyberabad police issue safety guidelines for kite season
Police advised the public to avoid buying or using Chinese manja, and to opt for cotton threads instead. Other key precautions include:
- Supervising children during kite flying.
- Avoiding kite flying near roads, power lines, and crowded areas.
- Flying kites only in open spaces and fields.
- Wearing helmets while riding two-wheelers.
- Reporting loose or hanging kite strings to GHMC officials.
- Safely collecting and disposing of broken threads found on roads or trees.
- Not attempting to remove tangled threads from trees or electric wires.
- Informing police if anyone is seen selling banned manja.
The advisory emphasized that any violation would lead to legal consequences under applicable laws.