Kite Flying: A Joy, Not a Hazard

By Dr. O.P. Joshi (Environmentalist)

Makar Sankranti has also become a festival of kite flying along with sesame seeds and jaggery. Now its competitions and festivals are being held in many cities nationwide. The popularity of kite flying may have increased now. But, on June 10, 1750, in Philadelphia, Benjamin Franklin provided information about the electric charge caused by lightning by flying kites for the first time in science. Based on this information, lightning conductors, also called Franklin rods, were created to prevent lightning strikes. Until a few years ago, there was no danger from the native thread (manza) used in kite flying, but the Chinese thread currently used is very dangerous.
Five types of chemicals and metals are used in its preparation, in which aluminum oxide and lead are prominent. The thread thus prepared is strong, durable and sharp, which our native thread cannot cut. Its use in kite flying has proved to be fatal and painful not only for birds but also for humans. Birds are injured by colliding or engaging with it. There is a wound on the throat and the wings are cut. Due to the entangling of the manza in the legs, they cannot fly and sometimes become prey. Even after kite flying, the manza entangled in trees and bushes is painful for him.
A survey conducted by the Charitable Bird Hospital in Chandni Chowk, Delhi, a few years ago, revealed that 70% of pigeons are injured by manza, followed by eagles and owls with 12% and 17% respectively. In 2017, 500 birds were found to have their feathers amputated. The adverse effect of manza was also seen on the flesh and bones of many birds. According to the in charge of the zoo at Indore, every year during Makar Sankranti, 20 to 25 birds are injured by manza in Indore city, of which pigeons, crows, owls and eagles are prominent. Sometimes the birds recover from the wound go into depression and even die. On 27 December 2024, a hawk bird was trapped in the manza near PTC Gate-2, which was carefully removed by some policemen and sent to the zoo for treatment. The incident occurred near an approachable place. If there were solitude, the bird would have died.
The Pulkit Foundation, working for the kindness of life in the city, also appeals to the people that no innocent creature should die due to the hobby of kite flying. In the last month alone, two villagers of Mhow-Simrol had their lips and cheeks cut off. A woman going to a temple in the city suffered a wound on her neck and received 21 stitches. Akash, a resident of Musakhedi, suffered a neck wound and received 15 stitches in the aerodrome area.

These few examples show that kite flying with Chinese manza is painful for birds and humans. People should be advised not to use Chinese manza and also tell the importance of birds. Birds play very important role in the environment. They save crops by eating many harmful insects. Flowers are pollinated and seeds are dispersed by eating fruits. Vultures, eagles and crows keep the environment clean by eating rotten meat.
We are aware and sensitive citizens. Therefore, we should try our best to ensure that no bird or human is injured by kite flying. If we can use native thread to continue the tradition of kite flying on the festival of Makar Sankranti, it can also be very helpful in environmental conservation.