Day after Sankranti, Telangana forest officials seized 118 kgs of chinese manja

Hyderabad: With the aim to implement a complete ban imposed on the use of synthetic glass coated thread, Telangana state Forest Department on Thursday conducted special drives to check the sale and purchase of synthetic manja during the Sankranthi Festival-2020 on Thursday.

The forest department officials sent six mobile squads to conduct the drive. The mobile squads conducted search on over 250 shops and establishments selling the banned substance and recovered 118 kgs of synthetic manja.

National Green Tribunal, New Delhi has imposed a ban on the use of synthetic glass coated thread during kite flying. During the special drives, forest department officials observed that the sale of the banned manja is carried out clandestinely and are not displayed openly. The quantum of sale of banned substance has come down significantly when compared to previous years, says forest officials.

According to the forest department, there is more awareness among the sellers as well as buyers this time.The forest department with the help of NGOs and Volunteers ensured display of posters in the shops to create awareness about the harm caused by these banned substances on animals, birds, humans and the environment.

Apart with forest department, the task force of police department, GHMC officials also implemented the ban orders. Organizers of kite festivals in the city were also informed against use of the banned manja during kite flying competitions. Forest officials observed that the overall impact of awareness among the general public against the use of the synthetic manja is positive.