Maharashtra council deputy chairperson urges strict measures against nylon manja

Maharashtra Legislative Council Deputy Chairperson Neelam Gorhe has called for stronger enforcement to stop the sale of nylon manja a type of thread linked to several injuries and deaths reported news agency PTIImpose a total ban on nylon manja and stop its online sale take strict action she said in a representation submitted to the Union and state governments reported PTIGorhe has written to Union Minister for Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal and the state Environment and Home departments seeking effective restrictions on the production sale storage transport and particularly online sale of nylon manjaShe stated that although the Maharashtra government has already prohibited nylon manja weak enforcement has aggravated the problem reported PTIShe highlighted incidents of deaths reported in Wardha Nashik Bhiwandi and other parts of Maharashtra due to injuries caused by nylon manjaThe sharp and nonbiodegradable thread has severely injured twowheeler riders pedestrians and police personnel apart from causing largescale deaths of birds and other animals Gorhe statedGorhe claimed nylon manja is easily available on ecommerce platforms under alternative names such as fishing line nylon thread and strong wireShe claimed it was also being sold on Instagram and WhatsApp groups under misleading labels such as ecofriendly or cotton thread Gorhe demanded that the Centre issue immediate directions to ecommerce companies to stop deliveries of such materials in Maharashtra reported PTICalling for strict enforcement she suggested setting up of districtlevel special task forces to conduct raids in markets godowns and stock points and seize stock reported PTIShe said offences should be registered under applicable provisions including culpable homicide the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act and the Environment Protection Act reported PTIGorhe called for promoting environmentally friendly cotton manja and financial support training and incentives for khadi and village industries and local manufacturers to produce safe alternativesMaharashtra govt launches clean food drive ahead of yearend festive seasonMeanwhile with the festive season approaching the Maharashtra government has launched a clean food drive to tighten hygiene standards in hotels and restaurants which are expected to attract a large number of Christmas and New Year revellersThe campaign which will continue till the end of December is aimed at ensuring that food served during the busy festive period is safe uncontaminated and prepared in regulated conditionsWith restaurants and eateries expecting a surge in footfall during Christmas and New Year celebrations the FDA Food and Drug Administration has intensified inspections across cities towns and rural pockets according to an official releaseThe drive involves scrutinising food preparation spaces storage systems and waste disposal practices and collecting samplesViolators will face actions while repeat offenders risk suspension or cancellation of licencesWith inputs from PTI