Hyderabad Police Cracks Down on Illegal Chinese Manja Trade 148 Arrested
In a major crackdown against the illegal trade of Chinese manja, Hyderabad police have arrested 148 individuals and seized goods worth approximately ₹90 lakh. Chinese manja, a synthetic nylon thread coated with abrasive materials such as powdered glass or metal, is notorious for its deadly impact on public safety, wildlife, and the environment. The city’s police commissioner, C.V. Anand, confirmed the successful operation, which involved seven special teams raiding multiple locations across the city. Despite a nationwide ban on Chinese manja, its rampant availability during festive seasons continues to pose grave concerns for both citizens and authorities alike.
Chinese manja, popularly used during kite festivals, is banned in several states due to its hazardous nature. The glass-coated thread can easily cause severe injuries to humans, leading to accidents and, in some cases, fatalities. Hyderabad’s authorities have not been immune to such incidents in the past. “There have been previous fatalities resulting from accidents involving Chinese manja, making it a serious public safety issue,” stated Anand. The primary risks associated with Chinese manja are its ability to easily cut through skin, causing deep wounds, and the threat it poses to animals, particularly birds, which are often fatally injured when they fly into the sharp strings.
In response to these growing dangers, the Hyderabad police took preemptive action by forming seven special teams before the upcoming kite festival season. These teams, made up of officers from various zones, were specifically tasked with monitoring the sale and use of Chinese manja across the city. According to police reports, the drive resulted in the confiscation of substantial quantities of the banned material from multiple locations. “The ongoing demand for Chinese manja, despite the legal ban, has made it a major target for illegal trade,” said one police official involved in the raids.
From a sustainability perspective, the use of Chinese manja is increasingly viewed as an environmental hazard. The material used to coat the nylon strings is not only harmful to human and animal life but also contributes to pollution. As more Chinese manja is discarded into the environment, it adds to the growing pile of non-biodegradable waste. The impact on wildlife, especially birds, has been profound, with many reports of birds becoming entangled or being severely injured by the abrasive strings. To address these issues, authorities have called for greater awareness and stringent enforcement of bans on these products. “Public participation in reporting illegal sellers and manufacturers of Chinese manja is key to eliminating this menace,” said Anand, urging citizens to stay vigilant and help curb the illegal trade.
This recent operation serves as a warning to those who continue to flout the law, jeopardising public safety and the environment for financial gain. Despite the authorities’ efforts to clamp down on this illicit trade, experts argue that sustained efforts in law enforcement and public education will be crucial in ensuring that these dangerous materials are completely eradicated from the market. While the ban on Chinese manja has had some positive effects, a significant change in consumer habits and stricter penalties for violators are needed to effectively combat this growing problem. As Hyderabad moves forward with its drive against illegal kite materials, the emphasis on sustainability, public safety, and environmental protection remains a pressing priority.
