Despite a ban at several places across India, Chinese kite strings are being sold like hot cakes at several major kite shops in the State capital. The hazardous Chinese strings have severe environmental effects and can even result in deaths of birds and human, if not handled with care or completely prohibited.
These strings, made of synthetic material are coated with glass powder and are extremely sharp. The Chinese strings can be stretched extensively. A traditional string is made up of cotton and is more expensive. Traditional kite strings do less harm to humans and environment.
“The Chinese kite strings are not only dangerous to humans but for birds too. A large number of birds like pigeons, crows and sparrows get killed due to these strings. Chinese kite strings are coated with glass and other heavy metals, which while flying kites some or the other way causes death of birds if the strings get entangled with the species. Even if birds get minor cuts with Chinese Strings, it may cause death in long run as the strings is coated with glass powder and heavy material which get mix easily with blood,” informed environmentalist Nitish Priyadarshi.
The Chinese strings are in demand mostly among the youths and shopkeepers too are selling the Chinese strings without knowing its hazardous consequences. Mohammad Akhtar, a kite seller of Talib Patang House at Karbala Chowk said, “There are several reasons why people prefer buying imported Chinese strings in comparison to the usual cotton strings. Firstly it is available at nominal price whereas the cotton strings are expensive; Chinese kite strings ranges from `150-200. Apart this, it also creates excitement in competition, as it is very effective and easily cuts the thread of competitor on the other side.”
On the other hand, district administration is also at ease and no steps have been taken to check selling of Chinese kite strings in the city. “So far we have not received any news related to the sell of Chinese kite strings or any untoward incidents while using Chinese kite strings in city during ‘Makar Sankranti’ festival. But, if the use of Chinese kite strings are restricted at several places and results in dangerous outcomes, we will too take strict action regarding this in the near future,” asserted Ranchi DC, Manoj Kumar.