PIL seeks ban on kite flying during Uttarayan in Gujarat

Ahmedabad: A PIL has been filed in the Gujarat High Court, seeking a ban on flying of kites during the festival of Uttarayan and prohibition on use of crushed glass to sharpen kite strings, saying it is a threat to the lives of humans, birds and animals.

The public interest litigation (PIL) filed yesterday by Siddhrajsinh Chudasama, said that ban on flying kites is required to ensure safety and security of human lives.

The PIL is likely to come up for hearing tomorrow.

The petitioner has urged the court to direct the authorities to restrict kite flying either through complete ban or through ban on particular days and time, in order to minimise accidents and casualties caused due to the activity.

"Not only innocent birds and animals, even pedestrians and two-wheeler riders are injured and killed due to the kite string coated with crushed glass (manja)," the petition said.

"To make matters worse, Chinese manja has joined the list, making kite flying extremely hazardous to human life as well as other living species on earth," the petitioner said.

It is the duty of every state to protect the life and property of its citizen. Kite flyers are clearly committing offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960 and Wild Life Protection Act, 1972, the petition said.

Uttarayan or Makar Sankranti is one of the major kite flying festivals celebrated in Gujarat.

The PIL also said use of flying lanterns, locally known as tukkal, should also be banned during Uttarayan as they may lead to fire mishaps.