Jaipur, April 24 -- The Rajasthan government has imposed a complete ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, transportation and use of synthetic kite-flying threads, including the hazardous Chinese Manja, through a gazette notification issued on April 22. The order mentions stringent legal consequences under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, with violators facing imprisonment of up to five years, fines up to Rs.1 lakh, or both. The notification underscores the growing threat posed by nylon and plastic-based kite strings, especially those coated with glass, metal, or other abrasive materials. These threads have been linked to numerous fatal and grievous injuries to humans, particularly during festive kite-flying seasons, as well as large-scale harm to birds and animals. The state government, invoking Article 48A of the Constitution, emphasized its responsibility to protect and improve the environment while safeguarding forests and wildlife. The notification highlights that synthetic kite strings are non-biodegradable and contribute significantly to environmental pollution. Additionally, their use has led to disruptions in electricity transmission lines, posing risks to public infrastructure and safety. The order also notes that bird activity peaks during early morning (6.00am to 8.00 am) and evening hours (5.00 pm to 7.00 pm), making them vulnerable to injuries by sharp kite threads during these periods. The ban aligns with directives issued by the National Green Tribunal, which had earlier prohibited the use of synthetic and non-biodegradable kite threads in a 2017 order. The Rajasthan government has exercised delegated powers from Centre to enforce stricter measures in the state. While the notification enforces a blanket ban on synthetic and coated threads, it provides relief for traditional kite flyers by allowing the use of plain cotton thread - provided it is free from glass, metal, adhesives, or any abrasive coating. To ensure effective implementation, the government has authorized multiple agencies across departments. Enforcement responsibilities have been assigned to executive magistrates (naib tehsildar and above); forest officials (forest ranger rank and above); police (sub-inspector and above); chief municipal officers in Municipality; and Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board officials. District collectors and sub-divisional magistrates have been directed to coordinate enforcement and take necessary action based on field reports. The notification makes it clear that any violation of the ban will attract stringent penalties under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, which may include fines and imprisonment. Under Section 15 of the Act, violations of environmental norms, including government directions and rules, makes offenders liable for imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of up to Rs.1 lakh, or both. In cases where the violation continues even after conviction, an additional penalty of up to Rs.5,000 per day can be imposed, while prolonged non-compliance beyond a year may lead to imprisonment up to seven years. Recent amendments under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 have, however, decriminalised certain offences by replacing jail terms with enhanced monetary penalties, especially in cases involving companies and government departments, where fines can go up to Rs.15 lakh or more....