Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Delhi discoms urge safe kite flying, warn against metal-coated manjha
People in Delhi love to fly kites to celebrate Independence Day.
Some kite strings are covered with a shiny metal coating.
These metal strings, called Chinese manja, can carry electricity.
If a metal string touches an electric wire, it can give someone a dangerous shock.
It can also cause big power outages.
The power companies in Delhi want everyone to be safe.
They ask kite flyers to use plain cotton string instead.
They also want kites to be flown away from electric wires.
If a kite gets stuck on a wire, people should not try to get it down.
Kids should stay away from fenced-off electrical areas.
Delhi power distribution companies BSES and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL) issued advisories urging safe kite flying ahead of Independence Day and Rakshabandhan.
Metal-coated manjha, known as Chinese manja, conducts electricity and can cause electrocution, power-line tripping, equipment damage and widespread outages.
A single 33/66 kV overhead line trip can disrupt power to over 10,000 residents, while an 11 kV line trip can affect over 2,500 residents.
The discoms urged people to use cotton or natural-fibre thread and to fly kites away from power lines and electrical installations.
TPDDL also warned that sharp glass-coated or Chinese manjha can cause serious injuries to two-wheeler riders and birds, and is running radio, social media and video awareness campaigns.
- Who
- Delhi power distribution companies BSES and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL), with appeals also directed at parents and elders.
- What
- Issued advisories urging safe kite flying and warning against metal-coated manjha ahead of Independence Day and Rakshabandhan celebrations.
- When
- Ahead of Independence Day and Rakshabandhan; the advisory was reported on August 11.
- Where
- Delhi (New Delhi), India.
- Why
- Metal-coated manjha conducts electricity and can cause power-line tripping, electrocution, equipment damage, widespread power disruptions, and injuries to riders and birds.
- Issuing authorities
- BSES discoms and Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited (TPDDL)
- Occasion
- Independence Day and Rakshabandhan celebrations
- Main hazard
- Metal-coated manjha (Chinese manja) is a potent conductor of electricity
- Impact of one 33/66 kV line trip
- Power disruption to over 10,000 residents
- Impact of one 11 kV line trip
- Power disruption to over 2,500 residents
- Recommended alternative
- Cotton or natural-fibre thread free of metallic or glass components
- Other warnings
- Glass-coated and Chinese manjha can seriously injure two-wheeler riders and birds
- Advisory date
- August 11