The Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) continues to enforce kite-flying restrictions during sunrise and sunset hours, following a 2017 notification. The city prohibits residents from flying kites between 6 am to 8 am and 5 pm to 7 pm, as per the decree issued on December 26, 2017.
This regulation originated from a Jaipur High Court order, considering these timeframes as critical for bird movements. The prohibition remains in effect this year, affirmed a JDA official. Both the Jaipur Metro Railway Corporations (JMRCL) and North Western Railway (NWR) also issue advisories for kite enthusiasts.
Officials emphasized the necessity of such advisories due to frequent injuries reported during kite-flying activities.
The guidelines extend to materials used in kite production, banning plastic or synthetic threads, and limiting the use of yarn in any quantity.
Moreover, JDA officials recommend flying kites away from city flyovers and Railway Over Bridges (ROBs) to prevent potential accidents involving motorists. In particular, bikers are at risk of close encounters with the kite strings (manjha), leading to injuries. Residents residing alongside flyovers or ROBs are advised to fly kites on the sides away from these structures.
Last year, the Jaipur Metro Rail Corporation (JMRC) issued a notification urging residents to fly kites away from the 9.25 km-long metro corridor stretching from Badi Choupar to Mansarovar. This precautionary measure aims to prevent accidents near the metro corridor, where overhead wires carry 25,000 volts continuously.
Officials stress that the high voltage could conduct through metallic substances present in the kite string, posing a risk of electrocution to kite flyers. While no incidents have occurred in Jaipur, similar occurrences in other parts of the country underscore the importance of flying kites away from the metro corridor, as advised by officials.