Cuttack: The district administration on Thursday imposed restrictions on kite flying at places of public gathering and rooftops in the city, while permitting the practice in open places identified for the purpose.

The administration approved the use of only simple cotton threads for flying kites while upholding the ban on the use of Chinese and Indian manja - plastic, nylon or cotton threads with an abrasive coat of crushed glass. The process of coating glass powder on any thread makes it razor sharp.

Kite flying is popular in the city, especially during Makar Sankranti.

Cuttack collector Sushant Mohapatra said on Thursday that the restrictions were imposed keeping Makar Sankranti on January 14 in view when a large number of people fly kites.

"We have identified 10 places for the public to fly kites as a safety measure," Mohapatra said. The Bali yatra Ground, Bidanasi Ground, Sunshine Ground, OMP Ground, Kathajodi riverbed, Khannagar park, Potapokhari Ground, the ground adjacent to the Panchamukhi Hanuman Temple, CDA Biju Patnaik Chhak Ground and Naraj Helipad Ground are the sites chosen as kite flying zones.

The administration has also requested the Mahanagar Shanti Committee to create awareness among people not to allow their children to fly kites on their own terraces and roofs.

"The administration started a three-day campaign on Thursday to create awareness among the public, parents and guardians and the traders using a public address system," district public relation officer Minaketan Sahu said.

"The collector has also warned traders against the sale of manja. A special squad has been formed to raid shops and other kiosks selling Chinese manja. We will lodge cases against those flying kites using manja or those selling them," Sahu said.

The district administration had first imposed restriction on the use of manja after a minor girl died in a mishap near Telengapentha in January 2016.