LAHORE: The government of Punjab has issued special safety guidelines for bike riders ahead of the Basant festival in the province.
According to the guidelines, motorcyclists must install safety wires on motorcycles and bikes during the Basant festival to protect riders from any unfortunate incidents.
The authorities have issued Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to the Home Department for approval ahead of Basant.
The celebrations of the festival will begin on February 6, 7, and 8, with both daytime and nighttime activities.
To avoid any deaths and injuries, surveillance will be carried out using drones, and the services of private firms will be hired for this purpose. Assistant Commissioners, police personnel, civil defense forces, and environmental protection officers will be responsible for enforcing the SOPs.
Registration fees announced ahead of Basant Festival
The Lahore district administration earlier announced the registration process and fees for individuals engaged in kite making, string manufacturing, and organized kite flying in preparation for the Basant festival.
Officials stated that kite and string manufacturers must pay a registration fee of Rs. 1,000. For organized kite flying, Kite Flying Associations are required to pay a registration fee of Rs. 5,000.
Officials explained that Form A is designated for registering kite makers and string manufacturers, whereas Form C is intended for the registration of Kite Flying Associations.
Kite-Flying Returns: Punjab Govt Issues Basant Ordinance 2025
It is pertinent to mention here that after 25 years Punjab government issued Kite-Flying ordinance 2025 to allow limited basant celebrations across the province, including Lahore, Rawalpindi, Multan, Faisalabad and Kasur. After the issuance of the Kite Flying ordinance 2025 by the government of Punjab the longstanding ordinance 2001 ban on kite flying has been replaced.
As per the new ordinance 2025, kite flying will be allowed within the specified spaces at the designated locations. Under 18 years of age will not be permitted to participate in the kite flying festivals.
Moreover, under the ordinance, kite sellers, all kite maker and kite-flying associations will be required to endure mandatory registration. Licenses for selling kites and kite making will be issue after the process of registration completion, according to the new ordinance unregistered sale and manufacturing will be considered as criminal cases.
In the ordinance kite flying is also allowed using non-hazardous materials, though the government has not explained what constitute non-hazardous material in the new ordinance.
After the issuance of the ordinance of kite-flying the decision sparked controversy that comes after the death of a young man in Lahore as the 21 years old man died when a stray kite string slit his throat 40 days ago. Despite concern of public the government has issued the ordinance and has remained firm to reintroduce Basant.
The new kite-flying ordinance give to the law enforcement extensive powers, as a police officer of Sub Inspector rank has been authorized for an arrest warrant, seize prohibited material and conduct searches at any premises.
The kite-flying returns comes as part by the government of Punjab to revive civilization festivals and traditional cultural that had been faded over the past 25 years.
Also read: Lahore Administration Proposes Two-Day Basant Festival in Lahore
