Nylon Manja Threat Looms Over Makar Sankranti Celebrations In City, Endangering Birds And Residents

As Makar Sankranti approaches on January 14, a festival celebrated for its kite flying, it remains a cause for concern among bird lovers and residents. Despite the 2017 ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of harmful nylon manja, the sharp, glass-coated thread continues to be readily available in Pune.

The police have strengthened surveillance over the sale of nylon manja in Pune city. On Sunday, they seized fifty bundles of nylon manja worth Rs 10,000 from a shop in Upper Indiranagar and two bundles costing Rs 1,600 from a store in Dhanori in separate raids conducted by the Bibvewadi and Vishrantwadi police, respectively.

Meanwhile, Jaymala Dhankikar, a resident, wrote a letter to the Police Commissioner mentioning, “Nylon manja continues to be sold and used in the city, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities to humans and birds alike. Public awareness campaigns should educate citizens about the dangers of nylon manja and the importance of using environmentally friendly alternatives. In areas like Mohammadwadi, Kondhwa, Undri, Hadapsar, and Wanawadi, the sale of illegal manja is still happening.”

4 cases registered last year

The sale and production of nylon manja are banned in Maharashtra as per directives from the Bombay High Court. The manja causes severe injuries to two-wheeler riders, and deaths have also been reported in some cases.

Last year, four cases involving the nylon manja sale in the city were registered, and in 2023, around seven cases were registered, the highest in the last five years.

Member of the Animal Rescue Trust, Pune, a non-governmental organization (NGO), said, “Sadly, though Pune has a lot of NGOs working for dogs, cats, wildlife, and large animals, there is no dedicated helpline or facility or specialists for birds. There is not a single aviary in Pune. Even after the ban, PMC should cancel the licenses of such shops, and the products should be seized. During this time, we rescue a lot of birds that get injured due to the banned manja. I am definitely taking this up with the administration later this year.”

Nilesh Grade, a forest animal rescuer in rural parts of Pune, said, “Last week we rescued two birds, one pigeon and another egret, which got injured due to the nylon manja. Police are strictly taking actions against the shop owners selling the banned manja.”

No action against production

“With reference to a recent study published by RESQ, the harmful effects of nylon manja are well known. Every season, it pains me to see ghastly sights of birds hanging lifelessly from wires and branches entangled in this manja. Increasing incidents every year highlight the ineffectiveness of measures currently in place. Raids on small shops and apprehending those using these are merely a hogwash in the face of the massively unchecked production and distribution network fostered through corruption and rent-seeking. If the government officials are seriously interested in tackling this menace, it should reflect in their interventions that are aimed at actual results. Classifying the manja as a hazardous substance, tracking and closing down manufacturing/importing factories. The manja is favored for its low costs among other reasons; therefore, making it prohibitively costly to purchase and use will go a long way in ensuring a safe conduct of our traditions while preventing harm to life, humans, and others,” said Ranjeet Rane, a bird lover and bird watcher.