India, July 30 -- Despite a government ban on the manufacture, storage, and sale of Chinese string (manjha) - synthetic, glass-coated kite-flying string-its illegal trade continues unabated in various parts of Gurugram, activists alleged. The dangerous string, made from non-biodegradable materials and coated with powdered glass or metal, is being openly sold in areas such as Sadar Bazar and Patel Road, putting lives at risk, they added.

The use of Chinese manjha is prohibited under various environmental and public safety laws, however enforcement on the ground remains weak, particularly around Independence Day, when the demand surges, activists claimed. Some reels are being sold for Rs.300 or more, with traders continuing to procure stoc...