Special Correspondent
Pune : Kite flying is a beloved tradition across India and South Asia, a joyful pastime that brings communities together. However, a silent and deadly menace lurks behind this colorful activity – the glass-coated kite string, known as manjha. What begins as a simple ride with a child on a motorcycle, a student walking to school, or a teenager enjoying a bike ride can swiftly turn into a tragedy due to the razor-sharp dangers of manjha.
The sharpness of manjha, often coated with powdered glass, has earned it a notorious reputation for causing a disturbing number of fatalities and injuries every year. What makes it particularly dangerous is its nearly invisible nature, leading to disastrous consequences for unsuspecting pedestrians, motorcyclists, and even drivers. The string can sever throats, leading to instant, often fatal injuries. Additionally, manjha can cause major disruptions in electrical services, with the string frequently cutting through power lines, triggering blackouts that can affect up to 10,000 people at a time.
Beyond its threat to human life, manjha poses a devastating danger to wildlife. Thousands of birds, including pigeons, crows, owls, and endangered vultures, fall victim to the sharp string each year. Birds, once tangled in manjha, suffer from severe wing injuries and nerve damage, often resulting in permanent disability or death.
Several heartbreaking incidents have drawn attention to the lethal risks of manjha. In Chennai, a five-year-old boy tragically lost his life when the string sliced his throat while riding a motorcycle with his father. In Vadodara, another five-year-old boy heading to school met a similar fate, as did a five-year-old girl in Jaipur. A two-year-old boy in Jaipur narrowly survived after receiving 22 stitches for deep cuts to his face and neck.
In Meerut, a 22-year-old man was fatally injured when his neck became entangled in Chinese manjha, while a 70-year-old man in another region needed 75 stitches after his neck was slashed. A 19-year-old motorcyclist in Raipur narrowly survived after his neck was struck by this dangerous material.
Despite being banned by the National Green Tribunal in 2017, the sale of Chinese manjha continues to thrive on the black market, particularly during the peak kite-flying season. This form of manjha is notorious for its extreme sharpness and the powdered glass coating, which significantly heightens the risks.
A report from the National Library of Medicine has further underscored the dangers posed by glass-coated strings, especially manjha. Injuries, particularly to the neck, can be fatal, depending on the vehicle’s speed, wind conditions, and the kite’s movement.
In December 2024, Wildlife SOS rescued more than 100 birds, many of which had suffered severe injuries due to manjha. Pranav Pawar, an avid bird rescue volunteer, shared his experiences rescuing birds in Pune and offered advice for anyone who encounters an injured bird. “If you spot a bird in distress, cover it with a soft cloth to calm it down, then gently place it in a cardboard box. Do not attempt to remove the manjha yourself, as it could worsen the injury. Contact a nearby veterinary doctor or a local NGO for help,” he advised.
As the kite-flying season continues, it’s crucial to spread awareness about the dangers of manjha and its consequences. Efforts to curb its use and enforce bans can prevent further tragedies and protect both humans and wildlife from this hidden threat.
