In a tragic incident on January 1, seven-year-old Malhar Raut from the Yeola taluka of Nashik district in Maharashtra found himself in a perilous situation when a length of nylon manja caused deep gashes on his face and neck. Currently admitted to a private hospital, Malhar has undergone both internal and external stitches, with 40 stitches in total, as medical professionals work to treat his wounds.
The incident unfolded in the evening as Malhar was riding on a bike with his grandfather along the Ankai-Chandgaon road. Without warning, a length of nylon manja entangled itself around his face, resulting in severe injuries. Quick thinking on the part of his grandfather led to Malhar being rushed to a private hospital in Yeola.
Yeola taluka police station’s Inspector Pandurang Pawar confirmed the incident, revealing that, as of now, no formal complaint has been lodged by Malhar’s family. However, he acknowledged the inherent danger associated with nylon manjas and assured that the rural police are actively monitoring the production and sale of these perilous kite-flying strings.
Social activists have long been sounding the alarm about the hazards of nylon manjas, emphasizing their potential to become lethal traps for birds when caught in trees. As the threads lose color over time, they become difficult for birds to spot, leading to tragic consequences when they come into contact with the manja, resulting in slashed bodies and wings.
The incident involving Malhar Raut serves as a stark reminder of the significant harm posed by these dangerous kite strings, not only to human safety but also to the avian population. With the upcoming festival of Makar Sankranti, where kite-flying is a common tradition, the need for heightened awareness and regulation surrounding these hazardous strings is more critical than ever.
