"Impose a total ban on nylon manja and stop its online sale, take strict action," she said in a representation submitted to the Union and state governments
Neelam Gorhe. Pic/X
Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has called for stronger enforcement to stop the sale of nylon manja, a type of thread linked to several injuries and deaths, reported news agency PTI.
"Impose a total ban on nylon manja and stop its online sale, take strict action," she said in a representation submitted to the Union and state governments, reported PTI.
Gorhe has written to Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and the state Environment and Home departments, seeking effective restrictions on the production, sale, storage, transport and particularly online sale of nylon manja.
She stated that although the Maharashtra government has already prohibited nylon manja, weak enforcement has aggravated the problem, reported PTI.
She highlighted incidents of deaths reported in Wardha, Nashik, Bhiwandi and other parts of Maharashtra due to injuries caused by nylon manja.
The sharp and non-biodegradable thread has severely injured two-wheeler riders, pedestrians and police personnel, apart from causing large-scale deaths of birds and other animals, Gorhe stated.
Gorhe claimed nylon manja is easily available on e-commerce platforms under alternative names such as fishing line, nylon thread, and strong wire.
She claimed it was also being sold on Instagram and WhatsApp groups under misleading labels such as eco-friendly or cotton thread. Gorhe demanded that the Centre issue immediate directions to e-commerce companies to stop deliveries of such materials in Maharashtra, reported PTI.
Calling for strict enforcement, she suggested setting up of district-level special task forces to conduct raids in markets, godowns and stock points and seize stock, reported PTI.
She said offences should be registered under applicable provisions, including culpable homicide, the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Environment Protection Act, reported PTI.
Gorhe called for promoting environmentally friendly cotton manja and financial support, training and incentives for khadi and village industries and local manufacturers to produce safe alternatives.
Maharashtra govt launches clean food drive ahead of year-end festive season
Meanwhile, with the festive season approaching, the Maharashtra government has launched a "clean food drive" to tighten hygiene standards in hotels and restaurants, which are expected to attract a large number of Christmas and New Year revellers.
The campaign, which will continue till the end of December, is aimed at ensuring that food served during the busy festive period is safe, uncontaminated, and prepared in regulated conditions.
With restaurants and eateries expecting a surge in footfall during Christmas and New Year celebrations, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has intensified inspections across cities, towns, and rural pockets, according to an official release.
The drive involves scrutinising food preparation spaces, storage systems and waste disposal practices, and collecting samples.
Violators will face actions, while repeat offenders risk suspension or cancellation of licences.
(With inputs from PTI)
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