Cuttack, Dec 11: As Makar Sankranti approaches, colourful kites will soon fill the skies of Cuttack -- but the strings that keep them flying continue to endanger lives. To prevent accidents, the Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) Enforcement Team launched a major crackdown on Chinese plastic manja ahead of the festival.

On Thursday morning, two enforcement teams raided kite shops in Jhola Sahi following reports that banned synthetic strings were still being sold illegally. During the operation, officials seized four large bags of plastic manja. Despite the ban, some traders were allegedly stocking and selling the hazardous string, prompting the CMC to impose heavy fines on the erring shopkeepers.

The civic body has warned that strict action will be taken against anyone found engaging in the illegal sale of such dangerous kite strings, which pose a serious threat to both people and birds during the festive season.

Safety Measures
Flying kites is a joyful tradition, but it requires strict safety measures to prevent accidents. Always use cotton or biodegradable thread instead of plastic manja, which can cause serious injuries. Choose open grounds or terraces with clear surroundings, staying away from roads, electric poles and overhead power lines. Keep children supervised at all times and ensure they fly kites from safe heights.

Avoid running on rooftops or standing on ledges while controlling the thread. Wear protective gloves to prevent cuts, and never chase a drifting kite into traffic.

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Stay alert to weather conditions -- strong winds or rain can make flying dangerous. Above all, prioritise safety over competition, ensuring a festive and accident-free kite-flying experience for everyone.