The Punjab Assembly has passed a bill proposing a complete ban on kite flying, accompanied by severe penalties for those who violate the law. The bill, which seeks to amend existing regulations, classifies kite flying as a non-bailable offense. If approved by the governor, violators could face a prison sentence ranging from three to seven years.
The proposed legislation introduces hefty fines for activities related to kite flying, including the sale and transportation of kites. Fines for offenders could range from Rs500,000 to Rs5 million, depending on the violation. The bill also imposes a total ban on the production of materials used for kite flying.
Individuals caught flying kites could face imprisonment for three to five years or be fined up to Rs2 million, or both. Those involved in the manufacture and transportation of kites may receive prison sentences ranging from five to seven years, with fines reaching as high as Rs5 million.
For children caught participating in kite flying, the bill imposes fines of Rs50,000 for a first offense, escalating to Rs100,000 for any subsequent violations.
This legislative measure has been introduced in response to the safety risks posed by the sharp strings used in kite flying, which have been linked to numerous fatalities and injuries in the region. The move aims to enhance public safety by discouraging this dangerous activity.
