Bhubaneswar, Jan. 13 -- Ahead of Makar Sankranti, the Puri Police has launched a special enforcement drive across the city to curb the sale and use of manja, the sharp, glass-coated kite string, that poses serious risks to public safety.

Kite-flying is a popular tradition during the festival in Odisha, but manja has been linked to accidents and injuries, especially in crowded areas. The drive comes as the holy city prepares to host a massive influx of devotees and tourists during the festive period.

Every day, lakhs of people move through Bada Danda and other prominent areas of Puri. Considering the heavy footfall at the Jagannath Dham, senior police officials have intensified security measures. The special drive aims to prevent acciden...