Chinese Manjha Crisis: Banned Strings Slash Throats, Damage Power Lines In Lucknow

Once a cherished symbol of celebration during Jamghat and other festivals, kite flying has increasingly turned into a lethal hazard on city streets, driven by the widespread use of banned razor-sharp nylon and plastic kite strings.

Unlike traditional cotton thread, these synthetic strings are often coated with crushed glass, iron particles, and strong adhesive, giving them a knife-like sharpness. When stretched across roads or left dangling at neck height, they pose a serious threat to pedestrians and two-wheeler riders, capable of causing fatal injuries within seconds.

The danger extends beyond human life. Authorities have flagged repeated damage to Metro overhead lines and power infrastructure caused by the entanglement of these metallic and plastic strings, leading to service disruptions and safety risks.

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Despite repeated bans, the cheaper and more durable plastic string has steadily replaced traditional cotton manjha, which is costlier but snaps easily under pressure. The shift has transformed a once harmless recreational activity into a public safety concern, particularly during festive seasons when kite flying peaks.

Officials and residents alike are now calling for stricter enforcement, tighter monitoring of online sales, and greater public awareness to curb the use of hazardous kite strings before more lives and infrastructure are put at risk.

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