Independence Day celebrations in the National Capital took an unexpected turn as the use of Chinese 'manjha' during kite flying led to over 50 incidents of power line tripping, plunging thousands of residents into darkness, officials revealed on Friday.
The problem was most pronounced in the northern parts of Delhi, where Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) reported 49 interruptions at the 11kv level.
These disruptions affected approximately 25,000 customers. A spokesperson from TPDDL clarified that while there were no trippings at the sub-transmission level, the widespread use of the banned metal-coated kite string created havoc at the lower voltage lines.
TPDDL has been actively campaigning for safer kite flying practices, especially around electrical installations. The discom released a special safety advisory video ahead of the celebrations, urging citizens to avoid using metallic manjha and to keep a safe distance from power lines.
The other power distribution companies, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BYPL), also reported incidents of tripping, though on a smaller scale.
A spokesperson for BSES stated that six tripping incidents occurred, underscoring the potential dangers posed by flying kites near power infrastructure.
To combat this issue, BSES launched a comprehensive awareness campaign that included social media outreach, interactions with Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), and newsletters aimed at educating consumers about the risks of using metal-coated manjha.
Despite these efforts, the illegal and hazardous string remains widely available in markets, contributing to power outages and posing significant risks to both humans and wildlife.
The Chinese manjha, a metal-coated string imported from China, is notorious for causing severe neck injuries to commuters, particularly two-wheeler riders, and harming birds that get entangled in the loose threads.
Though banned, its availability continues to be a challenge for authorities.
The metal coating on these strings makes them particularly dangerous as they can cause power lines to trip upon contact, disrupting the lives of thousands.
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