The government of Punjab has issued a stern directive for the strict enforcement of the existing ban on the manufacturing, sale, and flying of kites across the province. This decisive move aims to curb the tragic loss of life and widespread disruption caused by the hazardous practice, particularly in the lead-up to and during the Basant season.
Official Directives for Zero-Tolerance Enforcement
In a clear and unambiguous order, the Punjab Home Department has instructed all relevant authorities to implement the ban with full force. The directive explicitly targets the commissioners, regional police officers (RPOs), deputy commissioners (DCs), and district police officers (DPOs) throughout Punjab. Their mandate is to ensure that the prohibition on kite flying and all related activities is observed without exception.
The authorities have been empowered to take immediate and stringent legal action against anyone found violating the ban. This includes individuals flying kites, as well as those involved in the illegal manufacturing and sale of kites and deadly chemical-coated strings (dor). The government's stance leaves no room for leniency, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy to protect public safety.
The Human and Infrastructural Toll of Hazardous Kite Flying
The crackdown is a direct response to the severe and recurring consequences of uncontrolled kite flying. The primary concern remains the loss of innocent lives. Every year, reports surface of children and adults suffering fatal injuries, often from chemical-coated strings (dor) that can sever limbs or necks when they come into contact with people, especially motorcyclists.
Beyond the human tragedy, the practice causes massive disruptions to essential services. Kite strings, particularly metal or chemically treated ones, frequently entangle with high-voltage power transmission lines. This leads to widespread power outages, damaging expensive electrical infrastructure and plunging entire neighborhoods into darkness. The resulting repairs are costly and divert resources from other critical public needs.
A Sustained Ban for Public Safety
It is crucial to note that this is not a new prohibition but a reinforced order for the enforcement of a long-standing ban. The government of Punjab has maintained a ban on kite flying for several years, recognizing the inherent dangers it poses. The latest instructions serve as a critical reminder and a call to action for law enforcement and district administrations as the season associated with kite flying approaches.
The message from the provincial government is unequivocal: public safety and the integrity of vital infrastructure take absolute precedence. By mandating strict enforcement, the authorities aim to prevent the annual cycle of accidents and outages, ensuring that celebrations or traditions do not come at the cost of human life and public welfare. The success of this initiative now hinges on the rigorous and impartial implementation of the orders by police and civil administration across all districts of Punjab.
