Delhi Govt invokes emergency powers to prohibit manja

Delhi government today invoked emergency powers in issuing prohibitory orders banning powdered glass or metal coated kite strings (manja), a day after the Lt Governor's office indicated that the draft notification in this regard would not serve its intended purpose.
The order issued by Divisional Commissioner A Anbarasu under section 133, read with section 142, of CrPC, bans for a period of one month the manufacturing, trading and use of any string coated with powdered glass, metal, or any other similar property.
Such material (manza) is used to enhance the sharpness of strings and is extremely popular in kite flying. Stray manza snuffed out three lives, including that of two children, on Independence Day this year.

The Delhi government had issued a draft notification banning it in the city only on August 16. It initially blamed the Lt Governor's office and then the Environment Secretary for delay in issuing the notification.
The order issued today said immediate steps were needed to prevent such public nuisance and that there is sufficient ground to proceed for immediate prevention and speedy remedy with the view to prevent any further damage to humans, birds and animals.
Yesterday, Lt Governor Najeeb Jung sought an explanation from the Environment Secretary Chandraker Bharti after Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia wrote to him seeking action against the officer for the delay in issuing the draft notification.

However, the LG office questioned the draft notification, saying it would not have served its purpose as rules require inviting suggestions from public before issuing the final notification after 60 days.