Sharp kite strings coated with abrasive substances are prone to cuts to hands, fingers, and faces and can also reach necks
As Makar Sankranti approaches, health experts are issuing important advisories urging the public to exercise caution while flying kites during the festive season. While kite flying always brings joy to both children and adults, there are many potential risks associated with it, especially when kites or their strings come into contact with your skin or electric poles, transformers, or power lines.
According to Dr. Manish Mittal, consultant physician at Bhailal Amin General Hospital, Vadodara, a few issues that kite flying can lead to include:
Wounds and cuts
Sharp kite strings coated with abrasive substances are prone to cuts to hands, fingers, and faces and can also reach necks. Cuts may be deep if not handled carefully.
Electric shock
Some kites are entangled with electric wires, leading to severe electric shocks and fatal injuries in the extreme.
Falls and rooftop accidents
In the excitement, children and adults climb up terraces and rooftops without proper safety arrangements, thereby risking falls and injuries.
Pedestrian and animal injuries
Kite strings can badly injure passersby and motorcyclists and, in many cases, prove fatal. Besides, stray animals as well as birds get entangled and become seriously injured in the kite strings. According to doctors, every year, many accidents happen—usually throat slits due to continuous use of Chinese manjha, a banned abrasive string used to fly kites, produced domestically.
How to enjoy kite flying safely?
While the risks are real, taking a few precautions can help participants fully enjoy the festival:
Use safe strings
Avoid glass-coated manja and opt for biodegradable or cotton kite strings.
Wear protective gear
Gloves help prevent cuts while handling strings.
Be mindful of terraces
Avoid standing near edges and always supervise children.
Stay clear of electrical wires
Do not attempt to retrieve kites stuck in wires.
Watch your surroundings
Stay focused and avoid distractions, especially near roads or crowded areas.
Help the environment
Clean up leftover strings and broken kites after the festivities to protect wildlife.
Beware of wind conditions
Unpredictable wind makes flying kites a hit or miss. Avoid this by checking the weather forecast for the conditions in advance before flying. Always have different kites of suitable sizes for every speed of the wind, which will give a smooth experience. Consider flying your kite in the early morning or late afternoon when the wind is easier to fly.
Special instructions for children
- Children should always fly kites only under the guidance of adults
- Instruct children on the dangers of sharp lines, tops, and electric wires
- Tell them not to run behind the fallen kites as there is a likelihood of accidents
- Make them have soft, safe kite strings
- Promote kite flying in open, ground-based areas and not on rooftops
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