LAHORE: The Lahore district administration has submitted a formal request to the provincial authorities to permit a curtailed celebration of the colorful Basant Festival within the historic core of the city. The proposed event aims to span two days, primarily focusing on safety and regulation enforcement.
Sources reveal that the festival is planned to take place exclusively on Saturday and Sunday in renowned locations such as Shahi Qila, Mochi Gate, Bhaati Gate, and Rang Mahal. The initiative seeks to revive Lahore’s cherished kite-flying traditions while implementing stringent safety protocols to prevent past incidents.
The Deputy Commissioner’s office has outlined comprehensive safety measures, including restrictions on motorcycle access within the designated zones. Riders will be required to wear safety antennas and neck guards in surrounding areas to minimize injury risks.
To protect attendees from stray kite strings, safety nets and wire barriers are proposed along key thoroughfares. The plan emphasizes banning nylon, chemical-coated, and metallic kite strings, all of which have previously led to serious injuries. Instead, only natural cotton or starch-based strings would be permitted.
Furthermore, the proposal mandates barcode registration for all kites and strings to facilitate better oversight of their sale and distribution. Authorities have issued stern warnings that strict legal action will be taken against unlicensed vendors and manufacturers engaged in the sale of prohibited materials.
The final decision on permitting the restricted Basant Festival is currently pending review by the provincial government. Approval will hinge on the assessment of safety arrangements and regulatory compliance.
