Every year, particularly during the Basant season, dozens of people suffer serious injuries or lose their lives due to hazardous kite strings, especially motorcyclists and pedestrians.
Overhead electricity wires and other infrastructure are also frequently damaged. Despite repeated incidents, authorities often struggle to trace those responsible for manufacturing or selling the dangerous materials.
Under the proposed system, each kite and string spool would carry a registered QR code, allowing authorities to identify the manufacturer and retailer.
Supporters of the idea say this would make it easier to take swift legal action in case of accidents or violations involving banned materials such as metal or chemically treated strings.
Advocates argue that using modern technology could significantly reduce the illegal trade of hazardous strings while improving accountability within the kite-selling market. They have urged the government to consider legislation making QR code labeling mandatory for all kites and strings sold in the market.
The proposal has gained attention as the Punjab government has conditionally allowed the celebration of the Basant Festival in 2026 after a gap of 25 years, along with strict safety guidelines.
Authorities have announced that spectators and participants must follow standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure public safety.
However, civic voices maintain that safety measures should not be limited to event management alone. They stress that strict regulation of kite sellers is equally essential, and that mandatory QR codes could help prevent tragedies and ensure accountability if accidents occur.
Citizens are calling on the government to take practical steps and introduce clear regulations before the Basant season begins, in order to better protect lives, property, and public infrastructure.