Chinese 'manja' is a nylon thread coated with powdered glass.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has moved the National Green Tribunal highlighting dangers associated with use of glass coated thread 'manja' while flying kites and sought an immediate ban on it across the country.
The animal rights body has contended that 'manja', sharp string coated with glass, poses grave threat to humans and animals as every year a number of deaths are caused due to the deadly string.
"To increase the chances of being able to cut as many kites as possible, kite-strings are made deliberately sharp with churned glass, metals and other materials in order to make them razor sharp to cut through other persons' kite strings.
"These strings not only cut through other kite strings when in the air, but are also quite capable of cutting through the skin of animals and human beings, thereby severely injuring and even killing them," PETA alleged.
PETA has made Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Ministry of Power and Animal Welfare Board of India as parties in the case.
The matter is likely to be listed before a bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar.
The petition said that 'manja' poses a huge threat when it comes into contact with live overhead electric wires leading to grid failure.
"Due to manja being coated with glass, metals and other sharp material, these strings act as good conductors of electricity, increasing the probability of detached manja strings stuck in power lines electrocuting kite flyers and passersby coming into contact with such strings," it said.
PETA claimed that minor children are engaged by small cottage industries for the manufacture of 'manja' which causes respiratory problems in them as they inhale harmful substances which are extremely detrimental to their health.
The plea has also referred to various orders including the November 2015 order of the Allahabad High Court which banned the use of Chinese manja in Uttar Pradesh and sought ban on "manufacture, import, sale and use" of manja.