Kite flying causing financial losses

LAHORE: The district government and Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) have not been able to control kite flying and the sale of kites in the provincial capital. Sources told Daily Times that although several courts had banned kite flying and the sale of kites and related material, authorities concerned did not take administrative action in this regard and the people of Lahore had to face serious electricity problems because of officials’ negligence on Sunday. Grid stations of sub divisions Delhi Gate, Chah Miran, Bhaati Gate and Sabzazar were reported to have been damaged by fire and hundreds of people lodged complaints at Chah Miran, Bhaati Gate and Delhi Gate, but it did not help much because of excessive kite-flying in the areas. The worst power failure was reported at Mochi Gate, where a kite with metallic wire fell on an 1100 KV transformer installed near Mochi Gate Police Station, which caused an electricity breakdown for the whole day. Several people lodged complaints but electricity could not be restored till sun set. Residents of Mozang, Faisal Town, Johar Town, Walled City, Masson Road, Shadman, Ravi Road, Shahdhara, Shadbagh, Misri Shah and Mahmood Botti also suffered because of minor power failures. LESCO Chief Executive Akram Arian told Daily Times that police had failed to impose the ban on kite flaying. He said that LESCO had launched an awareness campaign to educate people about the dangers of kite flying. Seminars, panel discussions and public debates were part of the campaign, but it was the government’s responsibility to effect the ban, he added. He claimed that LESCO had been suffering a Rs 80 million loss per month because of kite flying. khawaja naseer

Home | National