LAHORE:Finally, after almost two decades, Lahorites witnessed sale and purchase of colourful kites and strings in markets here Sunday, which will continue until February 8.
Around 2,246 traders have so far been given permission to buy and sell kites and string. Officials said 163 registrations were in progress and 95 applications were rejected.Mochi Gate has emerged as the biggest kite selling locality while shops opened at many other localities, including Mozang Bazaar, Baghbanpura, Township, Ichhra, several areas of Walled City, Shahdara and etc.
With the opening of kite and string selling shops, the prices of kites and strings were also revealed. As per visits at different shops, it was revealed that Sharla was being sold for Rs50, Pari for Rs70, Ada was being sold for Rs70, Pona Tawa for Rs100, Tawa for Rs200 and Dherd Tawa was being sold for Rs400. A rush of children and youth was also witnessed at the kite shops.
Commissioner Marryam Khan visited Mochi Gate and Delhi Gate. She checked the QR codes on kites and strings, especially the NOCs.She also visited Basant Safety Camps and reviewed the performance of the departments. She said that the Basant rules awareness and safety campaign is at its peak while the CM’s instructions are clear and safety measures are being ensured 100 percent.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner constituted Quick Response Teams (QRTs) to ensure public safety, effective monitoring, and prompt response to any untoward incident.As per the notification, the terms of reference of the QRTs included identify, inspect, and assess all dangerous and dilapidated buildings and rooftops for structural fitness across tehsil. To serve and prominently display notices on surveyed buildings, obtain affidavits from building owners/occupants/residents, and take all necessary measures across tehsil to prevent any activity that may pose a risk to human life.
The Assistant Commissioners & the team responsible for building inspection shall give a certificate for completion of above exercise in totality without any omission.The QRTs will ensure that all premises and rooftops, where kite flying activities were being hosted, have been registered with the District Administration Lahore through the Basant Portal and that the prescribed safety measures and Code of Conduct are being strictly adhered to.
