Hyderabad: The festive joy of Sankranti is being overshadowed by growing concerns over the use of deadly Chinese manja, which has emerged as a serious threat to public safety. While the skies fill with colourful kites during the festival, the synthetic kite string has turned into a potential death trap, especially for two-wheeler riders, raising alarm among authorities and the public alike.
Unlike traditional cotton thread, Chinese manja is made of nylon or other synthetic materials and is often coated with powdered glass and chemicals, making it extremely sharp. When kites snap, these strings remain suspended in the air or hang across roads, posing grave risks to motorists. Several incidents have already been reported ahead of the festival, with victims sustaining severe neck injuries requiring multiple stitches.
The hazardous manja also poses a major threat to the environment and wildlife. Being plastic-based, it does not decompose easily, leading to long-term damage. Birds frequently get entangled in the strings caught on trees and power lines, resulting in severe injuries or death. Authorities noted that fatalities involving two-wheeler riders due to neck injuries caused by Chinese manja are reported every year in the Telugu states.
Gujarat Police trying to save people from STSJ pic.twitter.com/IOvw4MUljD
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Recognising the danger, the government has imposed a complete ban on the sale and use of Chinese manja, with the High Court also directing strict enforcement. However, despite the ban, illegal smuggling and sale continue in some areas, driven by profit motives. Police are conducting regular checks and seizing stocks, while officials emphasise that public cooperation and awareness are crucial to curb the menace. Citizens are urged to avoid using Chinese manja and to opt only for traditional cotton threads.
Meanwhile, police and civic authorities are stepping up awareness campaigns to protect the public. Two-wheeler riders are being advised to wear scarves or mufflers around their necks, fasten helmet straps properly, and remain extra cautious on flyovers. In some regions, safety guards are being installed on bike handles to block manja. In Gujarat, police and social organisations have launched initiatives to distribute free neck safety belts to motorists, aimed at preventing fatal injuries caused by kite strings.