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

LAHORE:

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

Speaking at a high-level meeting on the festival on Friday, the CM said the event will be launched on the night of February 6 and the formal celebrations will begin on February 7.

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

He described Basant as a historic spring celebration that dates back about 800 years, calling it “part of the culture and heritage of Punjab” and noting that the world recognizes the cultural importance of Punjab.

Strict security and compliance measures

Acknowledging the tragic incidents previously associated with Basant, Maryam emphasized that public safety is the government’s top priority. “It is unfortunate that a festival like Basant has been linked to accidents,” he said, adding that a comprehensive safety plan has been prepared.

The CM explained that Lahore would be divided into red, yellow and green zones, and areas reporting kite string incidents would be designated as red zones. Motorcycles would only be allowed in red zones if they were equipped with safety bars, and riding without them would attract a fine of Rs 2,000. “One million motorcycles in Lahore will be equipped with safety bars free of charge,” he said.

The described restrictions on kite flying include:

• Only nine-count “pavilion” cotton threads will be permitted; Spools, nylon threads and metal wire are prohibited.
• Kites and “gudda” of sizes larger than those approved are prohibited.
• Flying kites outside of February 6-8 will carry legal penalties, and parents or guardians will be responsible for illegal kite flying.

The CM warned: “Wearing banned threads could lead to up to five years in prison and a fine of up to Rs 5 million.” He added that rewards would be given to anyone who provides information about violations.

The sizes allowed during the festival will be a 35-inch kite and a 40-inch gudda. Before Basant, authorities have already registered more than 600 cases, arrested 641 people, recovered more than 27,000 illegal kites and obtained more than 10,000 bail bonds from interested parties.

Public security, surveillance and transportation provisions.

Maryam further said that 4,000 police officers, along with Punjab Sutra This initiative would be deployed and monitoring would be carried out using CCTV cameras and drones. He added that traffic, police, fire, ambulance and health plans have been developed.

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

Special control rooms have been set up at Safe City and commissioner’s office for 24/7 monitoring. 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,” he said, underlining the government’s commitment to a safe and joyous celebration.