Basant Returns After 25 Years
Punjab government ne 25 saal baad Basant ke festival ki ijazat de di hai. Ban pehle sharp, chemical-coated kite strings aur celebratory firing ki wajah se lagaya gaya tha, jisse motorcyclists aur pillion riders sab se zyada affect hote thay. Ab sarkar ne festival ko strictly regulate karne ka faisla kiya hai taake safety compromise na ho.
Why Basant Was Banned
Basant 2001–2007 ke darmiyan is liye rok diya gaya kyunki bohot se log metal ya chemical-coated doriyon ki wajah se zakhmi ya halaak ho rahe thay. Lahore aur Punjab ke dusre shehron mein bikers ko ghaayal karne wale glass-coated strings ko sab se zyada dangerous mana gaya.
New Punjab Kite Flying Ordinance 2025
Government ne Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Ordinance 2025 promulgate kiya hai, jiske zariye festival ko regulate kiya jayega. Ordinance ko ab provincial assembly se pass hona baqi hai, lekin implementation governor ke sign ke baad shuru ho chuki hai.
Under-18 Ban & Penalties
Naye rules ke mutabiq 18 saal se kam umeed ke bachay kite flying nahi kar sakte.
- Pehli violation: Rs50,000 fine
- Doosri violation: Rs100,000 fine
- Fine na dene ki surat mein parent/guardian par action
Hukoomat ka aim yeh hai ke risky behavior ko early stage par hi control kiya ja sake.
Strict Ban on Metallic or Chemical-Coated Strings
Sirf cotton thread-based kite strings allowed hongi.
- Metallic, chemical-coated, ya sharp strings rakhnay ya istemal karne par:
3–5 saal ki jail + Rs2 million tak ka fine
Yeh clause directly un dangerous strings ko target karta hai jo fatal injuries ka sabab banti thi.
Mandatory Registration System
Ordinance ke mutabiq tamam stakeholders, manufacturers, traders, sellers, aur kite flying associations ko registration karwani hogi.
- Har registered shopkeeper ko QR code allot hoga
- Har kite par QR code printed hoga jisse manufacturer/seller trace ho sake
- Association ko district ke Deputy Commissioner ke paas register karna hoga
Yeh digital tracking system illegal materials aur unregistered sellers ko control karne ke liye introduce kiya gaya hai.
Government May Allow Kite Flying on Specific Days
Ordinance generally kite flying ko prohibited rakhta hai, lekin sarkar ko yeh authority deta hai ke specific days aur designated places par “permissible kite flying” allow kare. Yani Basant celebrate ho sakta hai, magar controlled environment mein.
Cultural & Economic Importance of Basant
Basant historically Lahore ka signature festival raha hai. 19th century mein Maharaja Ranjit Singh ne Basant ko Lahore ki identity ka hissa banaya. Aaj bhi festival se economic activity worth millions of rupees generate hoti hai, is liye businesses aur tourism sector dono iss step ka welcome kar rahe hain.
What Happens Next?
Ordinance already promulgate ho chuka hai, lekin ab isay Punjab Assembly se pass hona hai. Jab law officially pass ho jayega, kite sellers ko maujooda ban ke bawajood kites bechne ki permission mil jayegi. Public compliance aur enforcement dono is revival ki success ke liye critical honge.