BBMP's failure leads to five deaths every day

The nylon thread used for flying kites has been proven to be dangerous multiple times, and in Delhi and Gujarat, it has been banned after a number of fatal injuries reported from across the country. 

However, despite orders, BBMP has not yet implemented the ban on the nylon thread. As a result of this official delay in implementation of the ban, many birds are getting stuck in this thread that is used to fly kites and are getting killed on a daily basis. 

According to activists, the BBMP should act fast before tragedy strikes due to these deathly threads. 

Sharath Babu, Bengaluru Urban Wildlife Warden says, the Government issued ban order in July last year on Chinese Maanja and within a week, the order copies were borrowed by Delhi government and were successfully implemented there as two human deaths were reported in the same period. As per the order, the sale and supply of this killer thread are banned in the capital of India.

"The Chinese manja is covered under section 9 of wildlife act. As per this provision, the maanja is used as a weapon to trap birds and animals and hence it is banned. Still, we can see people flying kites using these thread, and this reflects the failure of implementation of the ban. The BBMP that issues trade license to shops should raid and seize, but it has failed in its duty," said Sharath.

He said, his team gets at least 5 to 10 calls pertaining to bird rescue where the bird would have entangled in this killer thread almost every day. 

"The birds which try to free themselves will die as the thread cuts them. Not just birds, this thread will pose a danger to human lives too," said Sharath.

City Mayor Padmavathi said, the issue has been brought to her notice, and she will send a circular to all the 198 ward engineers and to have a check on shops selling stationary items. 

"As per the Act, a jail term of one year and a penalty of Rs 1 lakh can be imposed on sellers and suppliers. We will intensify the search for such thread and also concerned department will be alerted to screen the check-posts and not to allow these banned items into Karnataka," she said.

• BBMP
• Bengaluru