Sri Vijaya Puram | January 28, 2026
The Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI), a statutory body under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Government of India, has issued an advisory to all States and Union Territories, including the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, urging amendments to notifications under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to enforce a complete prohibition on the manufacture, sale and use of all harmful sharp threads or Manjha used in kite flying.
The advisory calls for permitting only plain cotton thread for kite flying and seeks a total ban on nylon, synthetic, glass-coated, metal-coated, gummed or any other sharp threads, including cotton threads coated with powdered glass or metal. The directive reiterates and aligns with earlier instructions, including the National Green Tribunal’s judgment dated July 11, 2017, which directed a total ban on synthetic and non-biodegradable Manjha. It also refers to previous communications issued by the AWBI in May 2013 and January 2016, as well as an advisory from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change issued in September 2014.
According to the AWBI, the use of such hazardous Manjha poses a serious threat to wildlife, particularly birds such as pigeons, crows, owls, kites and vultures, which often suffer grievous injuries or death after becoming entangled in sharp threads. The advisory also highlights the danger posed to humans, citing incidents of severe injuries, including fatal throat slashes to motorbike riders, electrocution due to damaged power lines, and other accidents linked to the use of sharp kite strings.
The Board has pointed out that the manufacture, sale and use of such Manjha violate provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960, the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and the constitutional duty under Article 51A(g), which mandates citizens to protect the environment and show compassion for living creatures.
Endorsing the advisory, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Andaman and Nicobar Administration, has appealed to residents, kite flyers, vendors and event organisers in Sri Vijaya Puram and across the islands to strictly comply with the guidelines. Citizens have been urged to use only plain cotton thread for kite flying, refrain from selling or using harmful sharp Manjha, and report any violations to local authorities, police or animal welfare officials.
The Administration stated that the measure is aimed at promoting animal welfare, conserving wildlife, ensuring environmental sustainability and safeguarding public safety, particularly during festive seasons when kite flying activities are common.
