Instead of following the familiar and often futile practice of waiting for a calamity before reacting, maybe, it is time for other state governments to follow suit. But more importantly, once this rule is in place, steps should be taken to ensure its implementation. The proposed fine of Rs 1 lakh and five years in prison for those who violate the ban is a good first move, but there should be no room for corruption. The ban must prove that law’s teeth are sharper than all those deadly glass-coated kite strings.

Mumbai too needs to keep a close watch as the sheer number and density of people here make this city especially vulnerable when it comes to kite flying. Broken strings of manjha often dangle from buildings and trees on the streets, posing risk to cyclists, two wheelers and those leaning out of car windows.

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In other instances, preoccupied kite flyers themselves have leaned too far over low terrace walls and fallen off the buildings. So every government needs to take a stand with reference to the practice of kite flying. ‘Safe flight’ takes a new and urgent meaning for all of us.