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LAHORE:
With preparations for Basant gaining momentum in the provincial capital, Lahore police have finalised a comprehensive security plan and declared 40 sensitive locations across the city as red zones to prevent loss of life caused by kite flying.
According to officials, the red zones have been identified in light of previous fatal incidents involving sharp kite strings.
Joint teams of police and traffic police will be deployed in these areas to strictly enforce safety measures and maintain law and order.
Officials said that checkpoints would be set up in advance to ensure motorcyclists install protective wires on their vehicles to avoid injuries from metal and glass-coated kite strings.
Enhanced monitoring will be carried out in red zone areas with the support of Safe City Authority surveillance cameras. Sources said the transportation of kites and kite strings will only be permitted after formal approval from the government.
Currently, the manufacturing and transportation of kites remain banned throughout the city.
“Permission for kite-making will be granted only after the issuance of a formal government notification,” a police official said, adding that a zero-tolerance policy would be adopted against violations. Authorities said the security plan is aimed at ensuring public safety and preventing accidents and law-and-order problems.
