Punjab CM warns of strict punishment for illegal kite flying during Basant

LAHORE:

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has announced that strict sanctions will be enforced during the upcoming three-day Basant festival from February 6 to 8, warning that anyone caught flying kites outside the specified dates or violating safety rules could face fines, imprisonment or other legal action.

At a high-level meeting on the festival on Friday, the CM said the event will be launched on the night of February 6 with formal celebrations beginning on February 7.

“I want to return happiness to the people of Punjab,” she said, arguing that the public had been pushed away from recreation and celebrations. “Everyone in Punjab has the right to celebrate festivals,” she added, citing occasions like Eid, Holi, Christmas and Ramadan.

Describing Basant as a historic spring celebration dating back about 800 years, she called it “a part of Punjab’s culture and heritage” and noted that the world recognizes Punjab’s cultural significance.

Strict security measures and enforcement

Acknowledging the tragic incidents previously associated with Basant, Maryam stressed that public safety is the government’s top priority. “It is regrettable that a festival like Basant had been associated with accidents,” she said, adding that a comprehensive safety plan had been drawn up.

The CM explained that Lahore would be divided into red, yellow and green zones, with areas reporting incidents of kite stringing designated as red zones. Motorcycles would be allowed in red zones only if they are equipped with safety bars and riding without a bar will attract a fine of Rs 2,000. “One million motorcycles in Lahore will be fitted with safety bars at no cost,” she said.

Outlined restrictions on kite flying include:

• Only “pinna” cotton strings of nine threads will be allowed; spools, nylon and metal wire cords are prohibited.
• Kites and “gudda” larger than approved sizes are prohibited.
• Kite flying outside 6.-8. February will result in legal penalties and parents or guardians will be held responsible for illegal kite flying.

The CM warned, “The use of prohibited string can lead to up to five years imprisonment and a fine of up to Rs5 million.” She added that rewards would be given to anyone who provides information about violations.

The permitted sizes during the festival will be a 35-inch kite and a 40-inch gudda. Prior to Basant, authorities have already registered more than 600 cases, arrested 641 people, found over 27,000 illegal kites and obtained more than 10,000 sureties from stakeholders.

Public safety, surveillance and transport arrangements

Maryam dismissed another 4,000 policemen along with workers Suthra Punjab initiative, would be deployed, with surveillance carried out via CCTV cameras and drones. She added that traffic, police, fire, ambulance and health plans had been drawn up.

A special traffic plan includes 100 traffic police camps. To discourage risky motorcycle use, the government will offer free rides: 500 buses, free travel on the Orange Line, Metrobus, electric bus and feeder buses and 6,000 Yango rickshaws offering 60,000 rides across 24 routes.

Special control rooms have been set up at Safe City and the commissioner’s office for 24/7 surveillance. The CM urged the public to avoid misinformation or rumours. “Basant is a historical and cultural festival, but kite flying is a matter of public safety, not a joke,” she said, stressing the government’s commitment to a safe and joyous celebration.