Patiala, January 8, 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau):The Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) confiscated approximately 1 tonne of banned Chinese kite string during a crackdown in Deep Nagar.
The environmental engineer at the regional office recived a tip-off about a local resident allegedly involved in selling the banned kite string.
Acting on the lead, a team comprising assistant environmental engineers Mohit Singla, Dharmavir Singh, and Vinod Singla inspected several shops in Achaar Bazaar, Tripuri and Anand Nagar. However, no illegal activity was found during these visits.
Later in the evening, a city resident alerted the team about a kite shop in Deep Nagar suspected of selling the Chinese kite string.
Accompanied by the resident, the team visited the shop, identified as M/s Sonu Kites, and confiscated three rolls (gattus) of the banned string, stated the communique share by the PPCB.
Further investigation revealed that a 17-year-old boy in Deep Nagar was also involved in the trade. A subsequent search of his residence led to the seizure of 12 additional rolls.
Upon questioning, the boy disclosed that he had purchased the rolls from M/s Sonu Kites and revealed that a larger stock was stored at the house of the shop owner, Sonu Kumar. When the team visited the location, they found the house locked.
The Tripuri police station house officer (SHO) was contacted for assistance.
The environmental engineers of Patiala RO and Zonal Office-1 joined the search operation.
A thorough inspection of Sonu Kumar’s house in police presence uncovered around 330 rolls, amounting to nearly 1 tonne of the kite string. The entire stock was confiscated, and Sonu Kumar was taken into police custody for further investigation. Authorities are now working to uncover the supply chain and identify others involved.
They appealed to the public to report such illegal activities and support the government’s efforts in curbing its sale and use.
The PPCB, meanwhile, urged the public to report violations on its toll-free helpline 1800-180-2810.
Summary: In a major operation, the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) seized one tonne of illegal Chinese kite string in Patiala, aiming to curb pollution.