Chandigarh: Concerned over the rising number of fatal accidents linked to the use of banned Chinese kite string, the panchayat of Bhaini Chuhar village in Punjab’s Rampura Phul assembly constituency has passed a resolution banning kite flying and the sale of kites within the village limits. This is believed to be the first village panchayat in the state to impose such a ban.
The decision comes in the wake of several recent incidents across Punjab in which people lost their lives or suffered serious injuries due to Chinese string. In Ludhiana district alone, a 15-year-old boy and a woman were killed after coming into contact with the sharp string. Several others have sustained injuries requiring stitches. In another incident, a 13-year-old boy from nearby Dhapali village died after falling from a tree while trying to retrieve a kite.
On Tuesday, a meeting attended by a large number of villagers, including panchayat members and the village numberdar, was held at the sarpanch’s residence, where the resolution was unanimously passed. Bhaini Chuhar village has a population of around 2,500.
Senior sarpanch Mitta Singh confirmed the decision, saying the move was taken as a precautionary measure. “We have all heard about the deadly incidents caused by Chinese string and kite flying. If anyone violates the ban, legal action will be taken,” he said.
He added that local shopkeepers had already been requested to stop selling kites and related material and had agreed to comply with the decision. “They have also assured us that any remaining stock will be returned to suppliers,” he said.
Harjinder Singh, the sarpanch’s grandson, said the village was not opposed to the tradition of kite flying but stressed the need for strict measures to save lives. Some residents also urged other panchayats to adopt similar steps to prevent further accidents linked to kite flying.
