LAHORE:Ahead of the long-awaited Basant festival, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) has imposed a complete ban on kite flying in all parks, green belts, and green areas under its jurisdiction. The decision, approved in consultation with the Punjab government, aims to ensure public safety, protect green spaces, and maintain a safe environment.
According to the official notification, all Directors Horticulture are responsible for strict enforcement. Any violation or untoward incident will hold the concerned Director personally accountable. PHA reiterated that citizens may enjoy festivities from rooftops while observing safety protocols. Punjab Information Minister Azma Bukhari emphasised that the ban is due to safety concerns, noting that park surfaces are unsuitable for kite flying. She added that free government transport, including private rickshaws and buses, will be provided to festival-goers.
Preparations for Basant have reached their peak, with kite-making and string (dor) production underway at various locations including Ravi banks, KotLakhpat, Gulshan Ravi, Daroghawala, Shahdara, Band Road, ThokarNiazBaig, Chungi Amar Sidhu, and Wagah. Only starch, color, and glass powder are permitted in string production; metal chemicals remain strictly prohibited under SOPs.
Registration of manufacturers and sellers continues through the Basant portal and e-Biz app. To date, 12 associations, 683 kite manufacturers, 1,088 kite sellers, and 218 traders have completed registration. Sales are permitted from February 1 to 8, and special teams are monitoring compliance to prevent illegal strings and kites.
DC M Ali IjazTiwanaemphasised the prioritisation of human safety during the festival. He advised citizens to report illegal strings to the district administration’s control room (03070002345).
Under CM’s Safe Basant initiative, operations in Old Anarkali, Shahdara, Mughalpura, Gulberg, and Raiwind led to 24 arrests and the seizure of prohibited kites and spinning wheels. The DC reiterated that kite dimensions must not exceed 35x30 inches or 40x34 inches, only 9-ply cotton strings and pinna are allowed, and metallic or nylon strings are banned.He stated that Basant is part of Lahore’s cultural heritage and, with public cooperation, the festival will be conducted safely and peacefully, while violators will face stringent legal action.
