987 bobbins of Chinese manja seized, 14 cases registered in Hyderabad on January 3

Hyderabad: Following directions from the Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad City, the Commissioner’s Task Force teams from the South Zone, East Zone, South-East Zone, and South-West Zone, along with the support of Station House Officers (SHOs) of the respective police stations, carried out a special drive on 3 January 2025, targeting the sale and transportation of banned Chinese Manja in the city. This crackdown led to the apprehension of several individuals involved in the illegal trade of the hazardous kite string.
On January 3, 2025, 14 cases were registered, and 987 bobbins of Chinese manja were seized across various police stations. Areas affected included Asif Nagar, Saidabad, Bahadurpura, Madannapet, Kachiguda, Tappachabutra, Mirchowk, Moghalpura, Afzalgunj, Chilkalguda, OU City, Shahinayathgunj, and Narayanaguda. Afzalgunj Police Station saw the largest seizure, with 360 bobbins.
Overview of Chinese Manja Cases in 2023 and 2024
The issue of Chinese manja has been a growing concern over the past few years. In 2023, authorities registered 39 cases related to the illegal sale and use of Chinese manja. During these operations, 2,217 bobbins, worth Rs. 10,61,200, were seized. Additionally, 47 people were arrested in connection with these offenses.
The situation worsened in 2024, when 49 cases were registered. In that year, law enforcement seized 6,261 bobbins of Chinese Manja, worth Rs. 37,02,280. The number of arrests also rose to 61, further indicating the extent of the illegal trade and use of this dangerous material.
Risks of Chinese Manja
Chinese Manja is a synthetic nylon string coated with abrasive materials such as powdered glass or metal, making it highly dangerous to both people and animals. The use of this string has led to numerous injuries, especially during kite festivals, with pedestrians, motorcyclists, and kite enthusiasts being particularly vulnerable. Accidents caused by Chinese Manja have resulted in severe cuts and, in some cases, fatalities.
Beyond human safety, Chinese Manja poses significant risks to wildlife. Birds, particularly those flying at lower altitudes, are often caught in the sharp string, leading to injuries, amputations, or death. The material is also hazardous to street animals, which may be harmed by discarded pieces of the string. Additionally, Chinese Manja is made of non-biodegradable nylon, meaning it can persist in the environment for years, blocking drains and causing other urban hazards.
Legal Consequences of Violating the Ban
The Environment (Protection) Act of 1986 prohibits the sale and use of Chinese Manja, and violators face serious consequences. Offenders can be imprisoned for up to five years and fined up to one lakh rupees. If the violation continues after conviction, a daily fine of up to Rs. 5,000 can be imposed. In cases where the violation persists for over a year, the penalty can be extended to imprisonment for up to seven years.
Call to Action
The authorities are urging citizens and organizations to collaborate in raising awareness about the dangers of Chinese Manja and promote safer, eco-friendly alternatives, such as cotton kite strings. Participants in kite festivals are encouraged to follow local safety guidelines to ensure a safe experience for everyone.
Citizens are also asked to report any incidents involving the sale or use of Chinese Manja to the authorities. By working together, the community can help enforce the ban and reduce the risks posed by this dangerous material.
Law enforcement agencies have vowed to continue their efforts in monitoring and penalizing those involved in the sale and use of banned Chinese Manja, ensuring that the public’s safety and the protection of wildlife and the environment remain top priorities.