Ahmedabad: The Principal Secretary of the state Home Department has filed a detailed affidavit before the Gujarat High Court, outlining the steps taken by the government to strictly enforce the ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, and use of synthetic, nylon, and Chinese kite strings across the state. The affidavit was submitted in response to a Public Interest Litigation seeking a tougher crackdown on Chinese thread and lanterns.

According to the government’s submission, law enforcement agencies have carried out an extensive drive against the illegal trade of these hazardous materials. As part of the action, 409 FIRs have been registered against violators. Authorities have also seized nearly 71,819 spools of Chinese string, valued at approximately Rs 2.67 crore. In addition, 477 individuals involved in the banned trade and usage of the dangerous strings have been arrested.

The government stated that police personnel have been formally empowered to lodge complaints against anyone violating the prohibition orders. It further warned that strict action would be taken against those selling or storing prohibited strings through online platforms. To curb the inflow of such material from outside Gujarat, police superintendents in border districts have been instructed to maintain heightened vigilance.

The state has also set up dedicated “Uttarayan helpdesks” at city and district police control rooms to strengthen monitoring and enforcement during the festival period. DeshGujarat