The commissioner noted that Chinese manja does not decompose and remains in the soil for years.
Hyderabad: City police commissioner V.C. Sajjanar on Monday warned of stringent action against the sale, storage and use of banned Chinese manja during the Sankranti festival, stating that criminal cases would be launched against violators without exception.
Sajjanar said the razor-sharp thread posed a grave threat to motorists and birds, stressing that there would be “no leniency” towards those found secretly selling or stocking the hazardous material. “Clear instructions have been issued to field-level officers to strictly enforce the ban and take immediate legal action against offenders,” he said.
Later in the day, in posts on his X handle, Sajjanar said: “Apan Hyderabad mein aisa bolte… China ka samaan ‘chale toh chand tak, warna shaam tak’. Par Chinese manja? Bhai, poori guarantee se jaan ko danger. Bike pe jaate hue gardan pe manja laga… socho kya hota? Isliye bol rahe hum: Chinese manja = danger.”
The commissioner noted that Chinese manja does not decompose and remains in the soil for years. He said a surveillance mechanism was in place across the city to ensure strict enforcement of the ban on Chinese manja under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.
Task force and local police will conduct joint surprise raids on kite sales centres, grocery shops and suspected godowns in all zones. Transport agencies and parcel services illegally bringing the banned thread from other states are also under close watch, he warned, adding that agency owners would face cases if found involved.
Addressing parents, Sajjanar explained that Chinese manja, coated with glass particles, plastic and other synthetic materials, had caused grievous injuries such as severed fingers in children and fatal neck wounds to cyclists and motorists. The metallic elements in the thread posed a risk of electrocution, he cautioned.
Citizens were urged to report any sale or stocking of Chinese manja by dialling 100, through the Hyderabad Police WhatsApp number 94906 16555, or at the nearest police station.
