Lahore makes NOC mandatory for rooftop kite-flying during Basant
Administration enforces zero-tolerance policy to ensure public safety: Commissioner warns unregistered rooftops will face strict action: Kite markets bustle as Basant preparations gather pace: Rates of kites and strings go high for poor
The Lahore administration has made it mandatory to obtain a no-objection certificate (NOC) for the use of rooftops for kite flying during Basant, particularly where gatherings exceed a specified number of participants, 24NewsHD TV channel reported on Tuesday.
Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan said that under the administration’s standard operating procedures (SOPs), an NOC would be compulsory for rooftop kite-flying events involving more than the permitted number of people.
She said that under the zero-tolerance policy, every host rooftop must be registered, adding that quick response teams would check NOCs at all host locations and rooftops.
The commissioner stated that rooftop registration for kite flying would be allowed strictly in accordance with the administration’s SOPs, urging citizens to understand that ensuring their safety and protecting their festivities remained the administration’s responsibility.
Reiterating the policy, she said that any rooftop gathering for kite flying beyond the prescribed limit would require an NOC without exception.
Maryam Khan further said that awareness campaigns regarding the Basant code of conduct and related laws were underway in educational institutions, adding that responsible citizens, civic awareness, and administrative efforts together could help revive the festival in a safe and positive manner.
She said that registration of sale points was being expanded across the city, including red zone areas, and disclosed that so far more than 2,276 kite sellers had been issued NOCs.
Meanwhile, preparations for Basant continue in Lahore, with large numbers of citizens flocking to Mochi Gate to purchase kites and kite string, as the majority of kite-selling shops are located there.
Colourful kites and various types of string are being bought, and although only a limited number of shops are currently open across the city, crowds are steadily increasing.
On the other hand, rates of all small to big kites and strings went high for the poor. According to traders, a tawa kite is being sold for Rs250, one-and-a-half tawa for Rs300, a patang tukal for Rs500, half a tawa guda for Rs150, a pari for Rs100, and a sharla for Rs50. Kite strings of two peace (around two kilometers long) pina (a ball-shaped tightly wound or rolled cotton thread) are being sold at Rs8,000.
Reporters: Tahir Jamil Khan and Talha Ashraf