The provincial government has formally lifted the 24-year ban on Basant in Punjab, issuing a new Kite Flying Regulation Ordinance that replaces the kite-flying law introduced in 2001.
The ordinance allows the spring festival to return under a strict regulatory framework aimed at preventing accidents that previously led to its prohibition, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Wednesday.
According to the Law Department, Basant will be celebrated only in designated areas, and kite flying will be strictly monitored.
Heavy fines fixed:
The ordinance imposes severe penalties for the use of metallic or sharp string, including a minimum of three and up to five years in prison and a fine of Rs 2 million.
The offence has been classified as non-bailable, and police have been granted authority to search any suspicious premises.
Children banned from flying kites:
Children under 18 will not be allowed to fly kites, and their parents or guardians will be held accountable for violations.
The first offence will incur a fine of Rs 50,000 and the second Rs 100,000, with further action taken if fines are not paid.
Ban on bikes in Basant areas:
Motorcycles will be barred from entering kite-flying zones unless equipped with approved safety features, and district authorities will enforce additional operational restrictions.
QR code on every kite:
The new law introduces a QR-code-based monitoring system. Kites may only be bought from registered vendors, each tied to an individual QR code, while every kite will also carry a unique code enabling authorities to identify the seller.
Registration of kite-flying materials in DC office:
Manufacturers of kite string will be registered under the same tracking mechanism. Kite-flying materials and associations will require formal registration with the Deputy Commissioner.
Reporter: Qaiser Khokhar