As Makar Sankranti approaches, colourful kites begin appearing in Mumbai's sky. However, using nylon manja or glass-coated Manja while kite-flying can be dangerous. Many birds and animals sustain injuries during this period, with some even including human beings succumb to these hazardous strings. The non-biodegradable remnants of these threads litter the ground, leading to blockages in drains, drainage lines, rivers, streams, and soil. Cattle, cows, and other animals inadvertently consume nylon fragments, posing further risks. In response, the state government has banned the sale and consumption of this Manja under Section 5 of the Environment Protection Act, 1986. Despite the prohibition, its sale and use continue.
With just a few days until Sankranti, kites have already begun to fill Mumbai's skies. Every year, the police issue warnings and highlight the potential dangers. However, past enforcement has been inadequate. Following the tragic death of police constable Sameer Jadhav due to Manja in December 2023, the Mumbai Police have intensified their efforts. Crackdowns on street vendors have been initiated in areas like Sahar, Bangurnagar, Dindoshi, Malvani and Vakola, resulting in seizures and legal actions against sellers.
Vijay Gohil
A senior police inspector remarked, "Every year, we conduct raids and lodge cases against who selling ban manja across Mumbai due to the fatalities it causes."
A shopkeeper noted, "The primary market for kites and manja in Mumbai is Dongri-Pydhonie. Manja is transported from Bareli, Uttar Pradesh, and Gujarat in Mumbai. Various types, including 'jarimari manja,' are exported from Bareli."
Despite the government's ban on nylon and glass-coated Manja, the police remain vigilant against illegal sales, use, and storage of these harmful strings.
Police Actions
Bangur Nagar: A raid was conducted in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar-1, Goregaon West, seized manja value at Rs 3,500. A case was registered against Kusumdevi Mandal.
Malvani: Seller Khalid Shaikh faced legal action for possessing 27 chakris wrapped in nylon Manja and 390 pouches.
Sahar: Kailas Mahade was arrested at Aarti General Stores in Andheri East, and seized 10 cycles of nylon manja.
Dindoshi: Suti and nylon manja were seized from Karan Sahani in Saxeria Chali, Malad.
Vakola: A shop raid, case filed against shopkeeper Ramchandra Patil, seized 43 bundles of nylon manja valued at Rs 6,050.
Vijay Gohil
Legal Offences:
Cases have been registered against individuals using nylon or Chinese and glass-coated manja under Section 188 for violating orders and Sections 336 of the IPC and the Environment Protection Act, 1986, due to endangering human life.
List of Mumbai Bird Rescue Medical Camp (January 14-15)
VIRAR - Sheetal Nagar (W)
Karuna Trust Virar (365 days) - 9819477042 / 9273910004 (14-15 Jan.)
NALASOPALA
Samkit Yuvak Mandal - 8108543152 / 8605501815
VASAI
Samkit Yuvak Mandal - 9970111029 / 7798840165
BHAYANDER (W)
Ahinsa Charitable Trust (365 days) - 9821391283 / 9821429504 / 9820372727 / 9821359599 / 9221346115 (14-15 Jan.)
BHAYANDER (E)
Jivdaya Steel Association (365 days) - 9321503820 / 9321503825
MIRA ROAD
*Ayyapa Temple Poonam Vihar*
Jivdaya Parivar (365 days) - 98 20 974447 / 98206 84550 / 9987788861 / 9987577495 / +91 76662 48017
Vinay Nagar - 7718060066 / 8898116544 / 9821280604
Sect. 3 Shanti Nagar*
Samkit Yuvak Mandal - 9136785762 / 9136775764
Samkit Yuvak Mandal - 79000 43371 / 79000 42370
DAHISAR and BORIVALI
Shree Samkit Yuvak Mandal - 9324747555/8080000804/8928720698
KANDIVALI
Maa Foundation (365 days) - 8655370005
MALAD
Jivdaya Abhiyan (365 days) - 8828261212 (January 13-17) - 100
GOREGAON
Jawahar nagar (w)
Aasha & Samkit Group - +91 99879 29223 / 9076388362 / 9892465888 (14-15 Jan.)
karuna parivar trust (365 days)- 9833625427
VILE PARLE
Vardhman Sanskar Dham - 9820928457 / 9619725637 (14-15 Jan.)
GRANT ROAD
Khetwadi
Bird Helpline (365 days) - 8655370005
CHARNIROAD
Bhuleshwar
Shree Jain Alert Group - 93232 45688 / 9821517100 / 9869672417 / 9323791036
Nanubhai Desai Road C.P. Tank
BVP and Shree Shanti kushal Mandal - +919699560095 / 9833133917 / 9653135551/9004403912/9892052027 (January 14-15)
MARINE LINES
Chira Bazar (JSS Road)
Shree Jain Alert Group
9323237582/7977353745/9869138767/9869388345/9619472708
