The chief conservator of forest (CCF) of Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagara
Palike (BBMP) has proposed a ban on Chinese manja (nylon string used for
fighter kites) which kills at least five birds and disables 20 in a
year. The proposal is now placed before the principal chief conservator
of forest for his approval.

BBMP Commissioner Siddaiah, who has
given a nod to the proposal,  has asked the CCF to take a firm decision
regarding the ban. Since the ban cannot be imposed under the Karnataka
Municipal Act, the CCF has forwarded a letter to the principal chief
conservator of wildlife in this regard for his approval. Siddaiah said,
“I have asked the chief conservator of forest to take up the matter with
the Forest Department.” Chief conservator of forest Brijesh Kumar said,
“Chinese manja could prove fatal for humans too, and we want it to be
banned,”

BBMP Wildlife warden Sharat Babu, who receives at least
four calls to rescue birds every day, said, “The wildlife team had
sought the help of Fire and Emergencies Services Department and BESCOM
to rescue birds. But so far none has come forward to think over the
ban.”

Babu expressed concern over the safety of birds as children
fly kites during summer vacations. The strings which dangle from trees
and buildings could claim lives of birds and pose a threat to rescue
operators’ lives.  “The Forest and Environment Department in Gujarat
banned Chinese manja after it analysed the threat it posed to the birds.
Ban on Chinese manja and any kind of plastic threads to fly kites has
been imposed there and we want a similar move even in the city,” Babu
said.