The Hyderabad Commissioner’s Task Force Teams carried out a special operation to crack down on the banned Chinese manja in Hyderabad. The teams apprehended individuals involved in selling and transporting the prohibited material. On Friday, police from the South-East, South, East, and South-West zones registered 14 cases and confiscated 987 bobbins of Chinese manja during the drive.
According to police data, the crackdown on Chinese manja has intensified over the years. In 2023, authorities registered 39 cases, arrested 47 people, and seized 2,217 bobbins worth Rs 10.61 lakh. The numbers increased in 2024, with 49 cases registered, 61 arrests made, and 6,261 bobbins seized, valued at Rs 37.2 lakh.
Chinese manja poses significant dangers due to its sharpness. It can cause severe injuries and even deaths, particularly to pedestrians, motorcyclists, kite flyers, and birds. The material is also harmful to the environment, as it is made of non-biodegradable nylon that remains intact for years. Improper disposal can clog drainage systems and create further urban hazards.
The sale and use of Chinese manja are prohibited in many states under environmental and wildlife protection laws. Violators face strict penalties under Section 15 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These include imprisonment of up to five years, a fine of Rs 1 lakh, and an additional penalty of Rs 5,000 for each day the violation continues. If the offense persists for more than a year, imprisonment can extend to seven years.
