Rising Concerns Over Nylon Manja As Birds, Animals, and Humans Face Serious Threats In Pune
Pune, 10th January 2025: With the onset of January, the skies in Pune come alive with colorful kites. However, the joy of kite flying has been overshadowed by the widespread use of banned nylon manja, which has become a serious hazard for birds, animals, and humans alike. Despite the state government banning nylon strings in 2017, their sale and use continue unabated, leading to injuries and fatalities.
In the past two weeks alone, six incidents of injuries caused by nylon manja have been reported, affecting both birds and humans in areas such as Katraj, Dhankawadi, Kondhwa, Camp, and Parvati. The sharp strings, notorious for their durability, are being sold openly for ₹1,000 a bundle, particularly the Chinese variants, which are cheap and easily accessible.
Discarded kite strings often remain entangled in trees, wires, and poles, posing a significant danger. Birds such as crows, hawks, sparrows, and bats frequently become ensnared, suffering severe injuries or dying as a result. Rescue centers have reported receiving an influx of calls between December and February, with hawks and owls being the most affected. Synthetic manja damages their bones, severs feathers, and can lead to permanent disabilities or death if not treated immediately.
Humans are not spared from the hazards either. Drivers and pedestrians have been injured when coming into contact with the sharp strings left hanging across roads. The reckless disposal of manja not only endangers lives but also creates environmental concerns, as the non-biodegradable material persists in public spaces.
The state government imposed a ban on nylon manja in 2017, citing safety concerns for humans, animals, and the environment. Violators face a fine of up to ₹5,000 and imprisonment for up to three years. However, the continued sale and use of nylon manja highlight ineffective enforcement. Despite police actions, the banned strings are widely available in the city, leading citizens and animal lovers to question the administration’s efforts.
Animal lovers and environmentalists are urging authorities to take stringent action against both the sellers and users of nylon manja. Many emphasize the need to raise awareness among kite enthusiasts about the deadly impact of using these strings. They argue that only by addressing the supply chain and educating the public can the issue be resolved.
A Declining Natural Balance
Statistics from bird rescue centers reveal a consistent number of bird injuries due to manja over the years:
– 2020: 940 cases
– 2021: 753 cases
– 2022: 895 cases
– 2023: 887 cases
– 2024: 617 cases
Experts warn that such injuries disrupt the natural food chain, affecting ecological balance. They also highlight the lack of adequate facilities to treat injured birds, further exacerbating the crisis.
As the festive season continues, the excitement of flying kites must be tempered with responsibility. Protecting wildlife, ensuring public safety, and maintaining ecological harmony demand immediate and decisive action against the manufacture, sale, and use of banned nylon manja.
