Punjab’s controlled basant celebration is being considered.

The Punjab government is thinking of hosting a safe and regulated Basant festival in a few locations during the forthcoming spring celebrations, which is good news for kite flyers.

Secretary Home Punjab, Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi, presided over a consultative meeting at the Home Department. The meeting’s main topics were suggested changes to the law that now forbids kite flying and the potential for holding a safe Basant on particular days during Jashn-e-Baharan (Spring Festival).

Human life protection continues to be the government’s primary concern, Dr. Qazi stressed. In light of this, flying kites in a way that endangers public safety is never permitted.

One of the ideas put out is permitting Basant as a cultural activity subject to stringent guidelines. Any participating person or establishment will need a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the appropriate Deputy Commissioner. A legal affidavit guaranteeing that safety precautions are taken must also be submitted by the property owner.

It will be severely forbidden to utilize metallic string, chemically treated thread, or hazardous materials for kite flying. Kite suppliers, manufacturers, and dealers will need to register with the Deputy Commissioner. Infractions may lead to fines, jail time, and registration cancellation.

Additionally, it was decided that anyone found flying or selling kites without official license would face severe penalties, including long-term imprisonment.

Reviving a safe Basant will increase tourism in the area and generate job opportunities, according to a civil society representative.

While LESCO provided historical damage statistics from dangerous kite flying, the Walled City Authority was instructed to hold a public survey to get feedback on how to organize a safe Basant.

A government representative reaffirmed that although open permission for Basant will not be given, discussions are still being held to organize it in a safe, regulated setting.