LAHORE: The Lahore administration has announced a comprehensive code of conduct for the three-day Basant festival scheduled to be held from February 6 to 8, aiming to ensure public safety and enforce regulations set by the Punjab government.
The code was issued by the Lahore deputy commissioner to regulate kite flying activities across the city, particularly on rooftops and private premises. The move follows the Punjab government’s decision last month to allow Basant celebrations under strict conditions, ending a 25-year ban on kite flying that was imposed in 2001 due to repeated fatalities caused by hazardous kite strings.
Under the new rules, the sale and purchase of kites and related accessories will only be permitted from February 1 to 8. All activities connected to the festival must comply with existing laws, official notifications and instructions issued by the Punjab government and the district administration.
The use, possession, sale or display of metallic, chemical, glass-coated, nylon or any other dangerous kite strings has been strictly prohibited. Authorities have also banned loud music, DJs and sound systems to prevent noise pollution and maintain public order during the festivities.
The code further prohibits aerial firing and the display or use of weapons, warning that violations will lead to prosecution under applicable laws. Acts involving nuisance, harassment, obscenity, indecent behaviour or disturbance to neighbours and the general public will not be tolerated.
Property owners and participants have been directed to ensure proper safety measures to prevent falls from rooftops, electrical hazards, overcrowding and other risks to life and property. The use of unsafe or unsecured rooftops has been banned, and safety grills or walls must be installed where necessary.
Kite strings may only be purchased from vendors registered with the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Lahore, while buying from unauthorised sources will invite strict legal action. The installation of safety rods on all motorcycles in the city has been made mandatory, and parents along with property owners will be responsible for the safety of children.
Authorised officials from the district administration, police and allied departments will be allowed to inspect premises at any time. The owner or manager of a property will be held personally responsible for any injury, loss, incident or violation of laws and regulations occurring on the premises.
Last week, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz said all relevant departments were working jointly to ensure that the government-sponsored Basant festival is conducted safely. She stated that a comprehensive traffic plan had been finalised, the city would be divided into different zones and motorcycles would not be allowed to enter the Red Zone without safety wiring. She also announced that safety rods would be provided free of cost to one million bikers to protect them from kite strings.
