New Delhi, July 11 (PTI): The National Green Tribunal today imposed a "total ban on manufacture, sale, storage, purchase and use" of synthetic manja or "Chinese kite strings", and all other synthetic threads used for flying kites with immediate effect.

"There shall be a total ban on the manja or thread for kite-flying which is made of nylon or any other synthetic material or is coated with a synthetic substance and is non-biodegradable. All chief secretaries of states and Union territories are directed to enforce the prohibition across the country," a bench headed by tribunal chairman Justice Swatanter Kumar said.

The order came on a plea by People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (Peta) and others that manja posed a grave threat to human beings and animals, leading to rising deaths each year.

The bench agreed. "Looking at the deep-rooted tradition of kite-flying in our country, which has become part of various festivals, the ill-effects of Chinese manja has not only resulted in injuries to birds, animals and human beings, but the number of fatal accidents has also increased".

The bench ordered a countrywide ban on imports of any synthetic manja, nylon threads or other similar strings coated with synthetic substances.

Although kite-flying with manja has long been a sport and recreational activity in the country, the strings endanger the lives of birds, animals and human beings and damage the environment, it said.

Local authorities in all states have been asked to take action against violations under the Environment (Protection) Act, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, Wildlife (Protection) Act, the IPC "or any other provision".