The National Green Tribunal on Dec 14, 2016 imposed an interim nationwide ban on use of glass-coated 'manja' for flying kites as the sharp string poses a danger to humans, animals and birds.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Swatanter Kumar passed the order after noting that 'manja', string coated with glass and metal powder and used for flying kites, is harmful to the ecology.
The green panel said that the ban order would apply on nylon, Chinese and cotton manja coated with glass.
It directed Manja Association of India to submit report to Central Pollution Control Board on harmful effects of kite strings.
Makar Sankranti festival was approaching and manja would be used for flying kites.
In its petition, PETA has contended that 'manja' posed a grave threat to humans and animals as every year a number of deaths are caused by it.
