Post 75th Independence Day celebrations every newspaper was highlighting the news of the death of a 6 year old LKG student due to his neck getting cut by the “Chinese Manjha” (Gattu). Dr. Ashish Gupta, Senior Consultant Plastic Surgeon SPS Hospitals, Ludhiana said, “Each year we receive numerous patients with injuries ranging from simple cuts to grievous injury over face, neck and hands due to The Chinese String especially during the months of January (Lohri) and August.”
He informed that the name of the string is misleading because the string is made in and around UP’s Bareilly and in parts of Madhya Pradesh, from where it is mostly sold online. The main reason for its popularity is the low cost and is several times stronger.
On December 18, 2017, the Punjab Government had imposed a complete ban on the manufacturing, sale, production, storage, supply, and use of kite flying thread made out of nylon, plastic or any other synthetic material, including the popularly known ‘Chinese Manjha’ in the state. At the National level, it is banned by the National Green Tribunal (NCT)and remains a contraband item in the country since 2017. Anyone caught selling the illegal thread can face 5 years in jail or a Rs 1 lakh fine or both.
Police in Ludhiana took proactive steps this January by informing the public that whoever is caught flying kite with it will now face an FIR under Sections 51 and 39 of the Wildlife Act. Sections 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the IPC will also be added to the case. These actions did help in getting the cases of injuries down from previous years.
Dr. Gupta listed the Steps for Prevention from Injury:
- Be Aware while driving, especially a two wheeler.
- Drive Slow especially over Bridges and Elevated roads
- Wear Protective Gear: Helmets and Driving Gloves
- Avoid Standing up though the Sun Roof of Your Car/ SUV
- Do Not Buy Chinese Manjha and ask your friends not to do so too.
What to do In Case of Injury/ First Aid:
- Gently remove the String from the Wound.
- Apply direct pressure over the bleeding area for 10 minutes by watch.
- Tie a bandage from the First Aid Kit in your Vehicle.
- Rush to the nearest Hospital as the injury could be deep.
Dr. Gupta said, “The Banned Chinese manjha will keep its killing edge till we collectively detest from using it.”
Our Expert
Dr. Ashish Gupta is amongst the senior most plastic surgeons of the region. He has been trained by the Stalwarts of Surgery in KMC, Mangalore (Manipal University) and of Plastic Surgery in DMCH, Ludhiana. His surgical training and experience covers from the most basic problems of diabetic wound healing, trauma to the most complex issues of post cancer reconstructions, limb salvage, facial reconstruction with 3D printing technology. His armamentarium is replete with cosmetic procedures including Rhinoplasty, Botox, Fillers, Fat Grafting, Face Lift, Post Bariatric Body Contouring, Liposuction, Body Shaping, Mommy Makeovers, Cosmetic Gynaecology, and Lasers. He is an active Plastic Surgeon apart from being a Philanthropist, a Travel Enthusiast, a Student for new techniques in Plastic Surgery, a Food Blogger and a Family Man.