Telangana Forest Chief Declares War on Synthetic Manja to Save Wildlife

In a decisive move, Telangana's Head of Forest Force (HoFF), Vinay Kumar, has ordered the immediate cancellation of licenses for shops found selling banned synthetic manja. This aggressive directive, issued on Friday, aims to intensify the crackdown on the dangerous kite string and safeguard the state's vulnerable wildlife, especially the iconic Indian Roller (Palapitta), from grievous injuries and fatalities. The order comes after a high-level review meeting where Kumar stressed 'zero tolerance' for the illegal material. The synthetic manja, often referred to as 'Chinese manja,' is a serious threat, known for its sharp, glass-coated or nylon strands that tragically harm birds, animals, and even humans. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) banned its use nationwide in 2017, yet illegal sales persist, often smuggled from neighboring states like Rajasthan and Gujarat. This latest push in Telangana includes strict surveillance on inter-state supplies, monitoring of e-commerce platforms, and public awareness campaigns through the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the School Education Department. Looking ahead, authorities are focusing on comprehensive enforcement, urging bus drivers and conductors to report illegal transport of manja or caged wildlife. Measures are also in place to ensure synthetic manja is banned from upcoming events like the Tourism Department's Kite Festival and to prevent Indian Roller from being displayed at Durga pandals. With Section 223 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita 2023 making its use a punishable offense, this multi-pronged approach signals a serious commitment to protecting both the environment and public safety.