In a bold move to ensure public safety, the Punjab government has passed a new law that completely bans kite flying in the region. This decision comes after many unfortunate incidents where people lost their lives due to kite flying. The Punjab Assembly recently approved the amended Kite Flying Prohibition Act 2024, making kite flying a non-bailable offense with severe punishments.
The new law lays down strict penalties for anyone caught in the act of flying kites, producing, selling, or transporting dangerous materials like sharp-edged manjha (kite strings), metal wires, and nylon threads. These materials have been a significant cause of injury and death in the past. The new law hopes to put an end to this dangerous activity once and for all.
Under this new law, if you are caught flying a kite, you could face imprisonment for a period of three to five years. Additionally, violators may also have to pay a hefty fine of up to Rs2 million, or even both a fine and jail time. The punishment gets even harsher for those involved in the production or transportation of kites and related materials. Kite makers and those who transport dangerous materials will face a prison sentence ranging from five to seven years, along with a fine of up to Rs5 million, or both.
The law also includes a provision for children who may get involved in kite flying. If children are caught, they will face a fine of Rs50,000 for the first offense. The fine will increase to Rs1 million for the second offense. Though the intention is not to punish children harshly, the law aims to prevent them from getting hurt or involved in such a dangerous activity.
The government has taken this step as kite flying has led to the loss of many valuable lives. The sharp strings used for flying kites have caused severe injuries, some even leading to death. In recent years, accidents involving kite flying have risen, and the authorities decided that it was time to take a firm stand to protect the public.
The new law is seen as a necessary measure to ensure safety in the region, especially since the risks involved with kite flying are not just limited to people on the ground but also to those on rooftops or in vehicles. The government is hoping that this ban will reduce the number of accidents and save lives.
This law sends a clear message that the safety of the people is a top priority. With such strict penalties, authorities are determined to discourage the dangerous practice of kite flying and ensure that no more lives are lost due to this risky activity.
As people in Punjab now face the consequences of breaking this new law, it will be interesting to see how the region adapts to the changes. The government hopes that with strict enforcement and public awareness, the streets will become safer for everyone, and kite flying will be a thing of the past in Punjab.
This bold move is just the beginning of a new chapter in public safety in Punjab. With other regions keeping a close watch on this development, the hope is that the message of safety over thrill will resonate across the country.
