Lahore finalises security plan for Basant, submits report to High Court

LAHORE: Authorities have finalised a comprehensive security and safety plan for the revival of Basant in Lahore, with the Punjab Police submitting a detailed report to the Lahore High Court.

According to the report, the security plan has been developed using 10 years of historical data to identify sensitive and high-risk locations associated with kite flying incidents. Based on this assessment, Lahore has been divided into red, yellow and green zones, with varying levels of monitoring and enforcement during the festival.

The report states that there will be strict enforcement of the Punjab Kite Flying Act, with authorities adopting a zero-tolerance policy against the use of glass-coated, chemical or metal strings. Only cotton kite strings and registered kites will be permitted.

To strengthen regulation, mandatory QR code registration will be required for every kite and string. Law enforcement agencies will also deploy drones to monitor kite flying activities across the city in real time.

Additional safety measures include the compulsory use of helmets and protective safety wires in designated areas during Basant. The report adds that 5,000 rickshaws will be provided free of cost for public convenience, while rescue services, health departments and traffic police will remain on high alert throughout the event.

Officials said the measures aim to balance public celebration with safety, enforcement and crowd management, as the court continues to review proposals related to the controlled revival of the festival.