punjab-cracks-wown-on-illegal-china-dor-kite-string

Mohali’s Deputy Commissioner, Aashika Jain, warned the public about the dangers of using the hazardous "China dor" (Chinese kite string) made from nylon, plastic, or other synthetic materials.

 

She emphasised that there is a complete ban in Punjab on the production, storage, sale, purchase, supply, import, and use of this dangerous kite-flying thread.

The district administration has made it clear that offenders caught using or selling China dor could face severe penalties, including up to five years of imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs 1 lakh.

 

"There is a complete ban in Punjab on the production, storage, sale, purchase, supply, import and use of kite-flying thread made from nylon, plastic, or any other synthetic material," said Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain.

This ban follows the National Green Tribunal’s order on July 11, 2017, which led to the Punjab government’s Department of Science, Technology, and Environment issuing guidelines to prohibit the use of Chinese kite string under the Environment Protection Act, 1986.

 

Rantej Sharma, the environmental engineer for the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) in Mohali, stated that kite flying should only be done with cotton thread to ensure safety. Jain encouraged the public to avoid using banned materials and to report any violations to the district control room at 017-2221-9506.

Crackdown on 'China dor' and reward for reporting violations

As Makar Sankranti approaches, a time when the sale and use of China dor usually spikes, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) has announced a cash reward of up to Rs 25,000 for anyone who reports the sale, storage, or use of China dor.

 

"If a person is found selling/storing/supplying/importing/using China dor, the information should be provided on the toll-free number 1800-1802810. The informer will be rewarded up to Rs 25,000, and their identity will be kept confidential," the Punjab Pollution Control Board stated.

Despite the ban, China dor continues to be secretly traded across Punjab. The PPCB urges residents to refrain from using synthetic kite strings and help eliminate this illegal practice.

 

Punishments for violations

Violators of the kite string ban face fines ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15 lakh. Police have also started using drones to monitor the sale and use of Chinese kite string. So far, two individuals have been arrested, and 72 spools of China dor have been seized.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jaspal Singh revealed that the accused are Manoj Sharma, also known as Manu, and Kunal Bhalla.

 

"The children flying kites using Chinese string were let off after a warning in front of their parents. If they are caught again, cases will be registered against their parents," said ACP Singh.

In an effort to curb illegal kite string sales, the police conducted a cordon and search operation (CASO) across various city zones, including the walled city and areas under Cantonment, Sadar, Chheharta, Kotwali, Division B, and Division C police stations.

 

Police call for public support in eradicating illegal kite string use

Police Commissioner Gurpreet Singh Bhullar urged the public to report those involved in the illegal sale of China dor. "It is a collective responsibility. People should not only share information about violators but also boycott using China string," said Bhullar.

 

He added that drones would be used for ongoing surveillance, and strict action would be taken against offenders.

Traditional kite string makers struggling due to China dor's popularity

Small businesses that traditionally made kite string, known locally as 'dor da adda,' are struggling to survive. These businesses once thrived on producing the cotton kite string known as 'dor da pinna' or 'charakhri dor.'

 

However, the popularity of China dor, due to its superior strength and durability, has caused a decline in traditional kite string production.

Ustad Krishan Chand Dor Wala, who runs a dor da adda at Beri Gate, shared his concerns. "A few years ago, there were fifty to sixty dor da addas in the city, but now only one or two remain. We can't leave it as long as we're alive," he said.

 

He reminisced about the pride of producing the best kite strings, which once attracted kite enthusiasts from other cities.

 

The dangers of China dor

China dor poses a significant safety risk. It is coated with glass and is often sharp enough to cause serious injuries. Motorcyclists and scooter riders have suffered neck injuries when their throats were accidentally cut by the thread.

 

Even birds get entangled in the string. Young kite flyer Arun (name changed) said that China dor is preferred due to its cutting power, durability, and lower cost, but it comes at the cost of safety.

The government continues to crack down on the illegal sale of China dor, but its demand remains high, driven by kite flyers’ desire for stronger and more durable threads for cutting other kites during 'patangbazi' (kite flying).

 

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