With Independence Day round the corner, power discom BSES issued an advisory in relation to metal-coated thread or manjha used for flying kites. The advisory warned that flying kites, having metal-coated manjha, near electrical installations can be life threatening as it is a good conductor of electricity.
The BSES said that the Resident Welfare Associations were also being informed to caution members about the perils of flying kites near electricity installations and using metal-coated manjha. According to the BSES spokesperson, “The widespread use of metal-coated manjha — being a good conductor of electricity — poses a great danger not only to the person flying the kite, but also to the electricity supply of an area. “Kite flying is an integral part of Independence Day celebrations. Sometimes this otherwise innocuous activity can be hazardous and even fatal," he said.
"Even though, disrupting power supply and causing damage to power equipment is punishable under the Electricity Act and the Delhi Police Act, there seems to be little consideration shown for the law as well as power supply,” he said.
"According to estimates, tripping of just one 33/66 KV overhead line can disrupt power supply to over 10,000 residents of an area. last year, there were around 28 instances of kite-flying related trappings in BSES' area. We have put our operations and maintenance teams on high alert to take care of any kite-flying related contingencies. Elders and parents are also requested to inform and counsel children not to enter barricaded electrical installations to retrieve kites because life is more precious than a mere 10-20 rupee kite. Any carelessness can lead to a major power failure, blackout and even electrocutions, he said.