New Delhi, July 11 (Agencies): The National Green Tribunal on Tuesday banned all types of kite-string coated with glass or metal dust, especially string made of synthetic materials that are not bio-degradable, as their use can be lethal for birds, animals and humans.

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar directed all state governments to prohibit the “manufacture, sale, storage, purchase and use” of synthetic manja or nylon threads and all other synthetic threads used for flying kites.

The NGT clarified that the ban order would apply to nylon, Chinese and cotton thread coated with glass.

Kite-flyers use coated thread in competitions to cut down and ‘capture’ the kites of rival.

“There shall be a total ban on the manja or thread for kite flying which is made of nylon or any other synthetic material and or is coated with synthetic substance and is non-biodegradable,” the NGT said.

“All chief secretaries of states and Union Territories are directed to enforce prohibition on manufacture and use of synthetic manja/nylon thread for flying kites throughout the country,” the bench said.

The judgment came on the plea filed by animal rights body People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), Khalid Ashraf and others, who had contended that 'manja' posed a grave threat to humans and animals as every year a number of deaths are caused by it.

”Due to 'manja' being coated with glass, metals and other sharp material, these strings act as good conductors of electricity, increasing the probability of detached manja strings stuck in power lines, electrocuting kite flyers and passers-by coming into contact with these strings,” the petition had said.

PETA had averred that minor children were engaged by the cottage industry for the manufacture of 'manja', which caused respiratory problems as they inhaled harmful substances which were extremely detrimental to their health.