Letter from Lahore: Kites rise above the city skyline once again

The ban on kite-flying, and the sale of kites inside city limits remains in place. But as summer gives way to cooler weather heralding winter, it has proved impossible to keep kites away from the skies.

Each afternoon, as schools close their doors for the day, large kites, designed to withstand October's stiff breeze, have been taking to the skies.

At first, as the kite-flying season began at the end of September, a lone kite would rear up above the rooftops, timidly, hesitantly joint by may be one or two more.

Fliers remained fearful of police action seen over the summer, when the kite-flying ban was imposed, with violators dragged off to lock-ups, and in some cases soundly beaten.

As time has passed, the kite flying millions in a city passionate about its national sport have become bolder, and so far have been allowed to send their colourful kites up high above the city. The ban on kite flying is intended to check the frequent power breakdowns and wild fluctuations that occur when kites cut power lines.

Each year, these take a huge toll on refrigerators, air-conditioners, computers and televisions within homes. In many cases, even stablisers fail to save the items from damage, while the frequent power shutdowns, or 'trippings' as they are known, leave people to suffer in the fierce heat of summer.

The Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) has consistently blamed kite-flying, and especially the use of metal twine, for the problem, claiming that as the twine hits power cables, it causes power to be suspended.

The ban was imposed as a last resort measure to tackle the power crisis in the city. It did appear to have some impact in controlling power shut-downs, even if occasional 'trippings' continued, with police, this time round, acting forcefully to ensure the 'no kites' rule was adhered to.

But in a city so devoted to kite-flying, it is clear that the tempting, pristine blue skies and enticing breeze of October have proved too much to resist. While authorities insist kite-flying will be permitted only for a month, during the festival of 'Basant' in February, the people of the city seem bent of proving them wrong.

And so far, the army of kite-flyers, spearheaded by small boys willing to dangle over balconies or scramble up trees in pursuit of kites seem to be winning. It is also clear that such a ban cannot be enforced on a long-term basis. No amount of police power and batons can prevent people from making, buying or flying kites.

If the problem created by the metal twine is to be resolved, an appeal will have to be made for cooperation from people. This is no easy task in a society extremely unwilling to work alongside authority, and resistant to any coercion to do so.

But there are some signs that success is possible. Last year, neighbourhood committees set up to check the use of mettalic twine, were reasonably effective in some areas.

Housewives wielding rolling pins or brooms were said to be especially effective in chasing boys caught using the banned string, and in some cases delivering a sound thrashing even as other youngsters watched. There is no reason to believe that similar committees cannot be effective again.

A management system to ensure there are set in place in every locality, and a monitoring set up to ensure there remain active, is required to ensure they remain effective across the city.
Along with this must come an awareness raising campaign, using the electronic media. While in the short-term, such steps may be more difficult than imposing a blanket ban, they may prove more useful in the longer-term.

Importantly, they may act to allow the city's colourful kites to hover across the skies, without plunging homes into darkness - and this would be an achievement most citizens would warmly welcome in a city where kite-flying remains as much a part of life as it was a century ago.

– Kamila Hyat is Vice President, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan and former editor,
The News