The Punjab police have submitted a comprehensive 27-point safety plan to the Lahore High Court (LHC) ahead of the upcoming Basant festival. This initiative aims to ensure a secure and orderly celebration in Lahore, where the event is permitted on February 6, 7, and 8, while kite flying remains prohibited in the rest of the province.
Key Measures in the Safety Plan for Basant Festival
- Deployment of 5,000 free rickshaws to provide safe transportation across Lahore during the festival.
- Restriction on motorcycles without antennas in designated red zones.
- Mandatory helmet use for all motorcycle riders and passengers.
- Only approved cotton thread allowed for kite flying, with a strict ban on chemical and metallic strings due to safety concerns.
- Quick response teams will be on standby to address any emergencies during the festivities.
Enforcement and Legal Actions
The Punjab Home Department has instructed all relevant officials, including commissioners, deputy commissioners, regional police officers, and district police officers, to rigorously enforce the province-wide kite flying ban outside the permitted area and dates. Any preparation or use of kites and strings beyond the authorized period or location is deemed illegal, with potential legal consequences for manufacturers, suppliers, and participants.
Monitoring and Reporting
All districts are required to submit progress reports to the Home Department confirming the implementation of these safety measures. This step is part of the effort to safeguard public safety and prevent injuries or casualties related to illegal kite flying, which has previously posed significant risks to bystanders.
