The Punjab Assembly has passed a new law that permanently bans kite flying across the province. This decision aims to protect public safety, especially with the Basant festival approaching, where kite flying is a popular activity.
The new law prohibits the manufacture, transport, and flying of kites. It specifically targets the use of metallic wire, nylon cords, and any other harmful materials used in kite strings.
Violators of the ban can face severe penalties, including 3 to 5 years of imprisonment or a fine of up to Rs. 2 million. Manufacturers and transporters of kites can face even harsher penalties, with 5 to 7 years in prison or a fine of up to Rs. 5 million. The ban was introduced to prevent accidents caused by dangerous kite-flying materials. In the past, there have been fatal accidents due to razor-sharp kite strings, leading to injuries and deaths, especially among motorcyclists. While some people support the ban for safety reasons, others believe that kite flying is an important cultural tradition. The Kite Association has suggested organizing the Basant festival in open fields with strict restrictions on rooftop flying to balance safety and tradition.
This new law is part of the government’s efforts to ensure public safety and prevent accidents during the Basant festival and beyond.
