Sale and use of 'Chinese manja' banned

In a bid to prevent harm to birds and others, the Telangana Government today issued orders banning the procurement, sale and use of nylon threads, commonly called 'Chinese manja', during festivals and other occasions. The ban came on the eve of Makar Sankranti (known as Pongal in South India), a harvest festival of which kite flying forms an integral part. Over the years, kite flying using Chinese manja (synthetic thread coated with finely crushed glass) became popular, but it causes harm to human beings and birds. "Government, after careful examination of the matter and in exercise of the powers conferred under section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 hereby imposes complete ban on procuring, stocking, sale and use of nylon thread, which is commonly called as 'Chinese dor', or other synthetic (non- biodegradable) threads coated with glass or other harmful substances used for kite flying or other purposes and likely to cause grievous injury and inconvenience to animals, including birds as well as human beings during festivals or other occasions," a Government Order (GO) said. The Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change has informed all the states and Union Territories about the threat posed to birds like vultures, kites, owls, pigeons, crows due to use of 'Chinese dor' made of nylon and coated with finely crushed glass in kite flying and requested them to take appropriate action, it said. "All concerned departments, organisations shall take immediate necessary action to sensitise people for not using such materials and make them aware of using eco-friendly materials which are biodegradable and not harmful to animals and human beings," it added.