After Chinese ‘manja’ claims 3 lives in Delhi, Patiala MC orders check on its sale

Municipal commissioner PS Gill ordered an inspection to check the sale of Chinese ‘manja’ in the city after two children and one youth, were killed in Delhi when the glass-coated kite strings slit their throats on Independence Day. The Capital banned the sale of the deadly thread on Tuesday.

Municipal commissioner PS Gill ordered an inspection to check the sale of Chinese ‘manja’ in the city after two children and one youth, were killed in Delhi when the glass-coated kite strings slit their throats on Independence Day. The Capital banned the sale of the deadly thread on Tuesday.

Violation of the ban can lead to five years’ imprisonment or a penalty up to `1 lakh or both. (HT File Photo)

Deputy commissioner Ramvir Singh had also issued a prohibitory order on the sale and storage of the Chinese ‘manja’ in the district on August 12 with directions to all civic bodies and block development officers to enforce the order.

Gill told HT he has deputed officials to inspect shops selling kite strings as part of precautionary measures to ensure the ban on the sale of this particular ‘manja’ that is made from plastic or synthetic material.

“Though no incident involving the deadly string was reported here, it is important to enforce the ban to avoid fatalities or injury,” he said, adding that authorities will take immediate action in case shopkeepers were found violating orders.

What makes the string deadly is the fact that it does not break easily due to its glass and metal coating. Besides humans, it is also a major threat to birds. According to reports, as many as 510 birds were left injured in Delhi around Independence Day.

“We need to be vigilant on its use here. I will make separate committees at sub-divisional and panchayat levels to keep a check on its sale,” he added.