Jagran correspondent, Bareilly. The administration has made preparations to crack down on those selling synthetic-Chinese Manja in the district. The administration will take strict action against the buying and selling of dangerous manja as well as its manufacturing and storage. For this, three teams have been formed in the city and one in the rural areas.

On March 2, 2016, under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986, the Uttar Pradesh government had banned the use of Chinese-made Manjha for flying kites in rural and urban areas of the state due to the incidents caused by it. Despite the ban, dangerous Manja is being made and sold continuously in the city.

DM Avinash Singh has formed four teams in the district to ban the manufacture, storage, use and sale of banned synthetic manja, lead coated, nylon kite string and Chinese manja. Each team comprises a police officer and GST officer. In urban areas, a team has been formed under the chairmanship of City Magistrate, Additional City Magistrate (First), Additional District Magistrate (Second).

In rural areas, two officers have been deployed along with the Sub District Magistrate. These teams will run a campaign and take action against those selling dangerous manja. According to the DM, violation of the Environment Protection Act can result in imprisonment for five years and a fine of Rs 1,000. Even after this, sellers will be charged Rs 5,000 per day.

If found guilty and continues to sell for more than a year, the punishment can be up to seven years. DM said that as per the instructions of the Chief Minister, if someone dies due to Chinese Manjha, then it will be considered as murder and action will be taken under relevant sections. Those who provide information to the administration about the manufacture, storage, use and sale of synthetic manja, lead coated, lylan kite string and Chinese manja will be rewarded.