Manja-Coated Kite String Slits Cuttack Youth’s Nose, Safety Concerns Resurface
Bhubaneswar: Despite repeated bans, warnings and awareness campaigns, the use of manja-covered kite strings continues to pose a serious threat to public safety in Odisha. In yet another disturbing incident, a youth was seriously injured after coming into contact with a sharp kite string in Cuttack on Thursday.
According to the information obtained, the incident occurred in the busy Khan Nagar traffic area, when a glass or metal-covered thread suddenly hit the young man’s nose while he was riding a motorcycle. The sharp rope caused deep cuts and excessive bleeding, prompting passersby to rush him to SCB Medical College and Hospital, where his condition was stated to be critical.
Police have launched an investigation into the incident and appealed to the public to strictly avoid using manja-covered kite strings, which are banned due to their lethal nature. Authorities have warned that such threads pose serious risks not only to commuters but also to pedestrians, children and birds.
The incident comes amid alarming similar accidents reported across the state in recent days. Two people were seriously injured after coming into contact with sharp kite strings in separate incidents in Balasore and Dhenkanal on Wednesday. Both victims reportedly suffered deep cuts and had to be taken to hospital.
Earlier this week, a youth narrowly escaped death in Pokhariput district of Bhubaneswar after he suffered severe injuries when he was hit by a manja-covered thread while traveling on a two-wheeler.
Civil activists and road safety experts have expressed concern over the repeated incidents, especially during festive periods when kite flying is at its peak. They argue that weak enforcement of bans and the easy availability of dangerous kite strings continue to undermine public safety.
Authorities have again warned citizens that the use of manja-coated or glass thread kite strings is illegal and potentially lethal, calling for collective responsibility to prevent further injuries and loss of life.
