The Punjab government has announced strict safety measures for the upcoming Basant festival, making it mandatory for motorcyclists to install safety wires on their vehicles to prevent deaths and injuries caused by sharp kite strings. The Lahore district administration has submitted Basant Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the Home Department for approval, with celebrations proposed for February 6, 7, and 8, including both daytime and nighttime activities.
To maintain safety during the festival, authorities plan to use drones for monitoring, supplemented by private firms hired for surveillance. Enforcement of the SOPs will be carried out by Assistant Commissioners, police officers, civil defense personnel, and environmental protection staff.
The sale of kites and kite strings will start from February 1, following mandatory registration and approval from the Home Department. Kite sellers will be required to pay a registration fee of Rs1,000, and licenses for manufacturing and selling kites and strings will be valid for one year. Clearance from both Assistant Commissioners and police authorities will be essential before issuing any licenses, with registration applicable throughout Lahore.
Authorities have banned the flying of “Gudda” (large kites) and limited kite flying and sales to three days only. Violations of the SOPs will carry severe consequences, including fines of up to Rs2 million and imprisonment for up to three years. The Deputy Commissioner of Lahore emphasized that police, district administration, and other relevant departments are coordinating to ensure strict compliance and urged kite sellers and participants to adhere fully to the safety regulations.
