NGT Issues Notice to UPPCB on Plea Seeking Compensation for Varanasi Youth’s Death Caused by Chinese Manjha
Pranav B Prem
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) Principal Bench at New Delhi on September 2, 2025, issued notices to authorities, including the Union of India, on a plea seeking compensation for the death of a 25-year-old man in Varanasi caused by Chinese manjha. The case was heard by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi (Expert Member), and Dr. Sujit Kumar Bajpayee (Expert Member).
Fatal Incident and Applicant’s Plea
The application (O.A. No. 179/2025) was filed by Shyamlata, whose son, Viveek Sharma, lost his life on December 31, 2024. While travelling with her on the Chauka Ghat–Lahartara flyover in Varanasi, Viveek’s throat was slit by a kite string made of nylon and coated with glass and metallic powder. He was immediately taken to the Trauma Centre at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), where he succumbed to the injuries.
The applicant alleged that the tragedy occurred due to the authorities’ failure to enforce the complete ban on the manufacture, sale, and use of Chinese or nylon manjha. This ban had been imposed by the NGT in its order dated July 11, 2017, in Khalid Ashraf & Anr. v. Union of India & Ors. (O.A. No. 384/2016). Despite the prohibition, Chinese manjha continues to be sold and used openly, leading to fatal accidents. Shyamlata sought compensation for the untimely death of her son.
Reliance on Delhi High Court Precedent
Counsel for the applicant, Advocates Saurabh Tiwari and Vikash Tiwari, referred to the Delhi High Court’s order dated August 9, 2023, in Sandeep v. State of NCT of Delhi & Ors. In that matter, a petitioner who had lost his daughter in a similar incident had approached the court for relief. The High Court, while noting that as many as 255 cases had been registered against persons manufacturing, selling, and transporting banned Chinese manjha as of August 2022, directed the Delhi government to frame a comprehensive policy to compensate victims of such accidents. The Court had remarked that it was “unfortunate that despite such orders, Chinese Manjha is being sold openly.”
To bolster her plea, the applicant placed reliance on an RTI reply dated July 31, 2025, issued by the Uttar Pradesh government, which stated that the policy for compensating victims of Chinese manjha incidents was still “under consideration.”
Tribunal’s Observations and Directions
After hearing submissions, the Tribunal issued notice to the respondents. Advocate Sthavi Asthana appeared for the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) and accepted notice on its behalf. The Tribunal directed:
- The applicant to supply a copy of the original application along with annexures to counsel for UPPCB within one week
- UPPCB (Respondent No. 7) to file its reply by way of affidavit within four weeks.
- The applicant to serve notices to the other respondents and file an affidavit of service at least one week before the next date of hearing.
- The matter has been listed for further hearing on November 26, 2025.
Context and Wider Implications
Chinese manjha is a synthetic string, typically made of nylon or plastic, coated with glass or metallic dust. It has been prohibited across India since 2017 due to its highly hazardous nature, often leading to severe injuries and fatalities among riders and pedestrians, as well as harming birds and the environment. Despite this, enforcement of the ban has been inconsistent.
The Delhi High Court, as recently as August 27, 2025, also issued notice in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking strict enforcement of the ban in the National Capital, pointing to the absence of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for investigation and the poor recovery rate in FIRs relating to banned manjha.
By issuing notices in the present case, the NGT has signaled its continuing oversight of environmental and public safety concerns arising from the use of Chinese manjha, while also emphasizing the accountability of state pollution control boards in enforcing prohibitions.
The Tribunal has not concluded the proceedings but initiated the process by issuing notices and directing the UPPCB to respond within four weeks. The applicant has also been directed to ensure service of notices to all respondents and submit proof of service. The matter will be taken up again on November 26, 2025, when the Tribunal will consider the issue of compensation for the applicant and evaluate compliance with the 2017 ban on Chinese manjha.
Appearance
Applicant: Mr. Saurabh Tiwari & Mr. Vikash Tiwari, Advocates (Through VC)
Respondent: Ms. Sthavi Asthana, Adv. for R -7
Cause Title: Shyamlata vs UOI and Others
Case No: Original Application No. 179/2025
Coram: Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Expert Members Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Sudhir Kumar Chaturvedi and Sujit Kumar Bajpayee
