Hyderabad Raids E-Commerce Warehouses Over Chinese Manja
In a significant escalation of efforts to curb the rampant sale and use of banned Chinese manja in Hyderabad, the city police have decided to intensify their crackdown by raiding e-commerce warehouses. This decision follows an alarming rise in the availability of the hazardous kite string, which is banned due to its deadly impact on human and animal life. Police Commissioner CV Anand expressed his concerns on social media, highlighting the role of online platforms in the illegal distribution of Chinese manja. “The real reason for the availability of the so-called Chinese manja, which is made by Indians in India, is e-commerce,” Anand stated. “So we may have to raid the e-commerce storage houses and call them for a meeting on this!”
Ahead of the Sankranti festival, a time when kite flying is especially popular in the region, the Hyderabad police have ramped up their efforts to address the growing menace of Chinese manja. As of now, 148 people have been arrested in connection with the illegal business of manufacturing and selling synthetic nylon strings coated with abrasive materials, such as powdered glass or metal. These strings are not only a public safety hazard but also a grave threat to wildlife, as they often lead to fatal injuries to birds and other animals.
Since October 2024, a total of 107 cases have been filed across various police stations in the city, with more than 7,000 Chinese manja bobbins, valued at over ₹88 lakh, being seized during raids. Despite the national ban on Chinese manja, its widespread availability and use during festive events continue to pose serious risks. The use of this dangerous material is directly linked to several incidents of severe injuries and fatalities in the city. One such case involved a police constable, Shivraj, who was injured when Chinese manja became entangled around his neck while riding his motorcycle. Tragically, this is not an isolated incident, as similar cases have been reported in the neighbouring districts of Ranga Reddy and Medchal.
In addition to the immediate dangers to human life, the environmental toll of Chinese manja cannot be ignored. Previous reports have highlighted the dangers to wildlife, particularly birds, which are often victims of the abrasive strings. A particularly tragic incident occurred last year when Naik Kagithala Koteswar Reddy, a 30-year-old soldier, lost his life after his throat was slit by Chinese manja while riding a scooter on the Indra Reddy flyover. These incidents underscore the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the widespread use of Chinese manja in urban areas.
From a civic sustainability perspective, the issue of Chinese manja reveals a larger problem of inadequate regulation and enforcement in urban environments. E-commerce platforms, which play a significant role in facilitating the illegal sale of this dangerous product, must be held accountable for the distribution of banned items. Additionally, the lack of proper awareness and preventive measures during high-risk periods, like festivals, highlights the need for a coordinated approach between law enforcement, local governments, and environmental organisations to ensure public safety and environmental protection.
The police crackdown, including the raids on e-commerce storage houses and heightened surveillance during festive seasons, is a step in the right direction. However, a more long-term strategy, involving public education campaigns, stricter enforcement, and technological innovations to monitor illegal sales, will be key to eradicating the menace of Chinese manja and safeguarding both human and environmental health in Hyderabad.
