Punjab Announces Strict Safety Rules for Basant 2027 in Lahore
Lahore: The Punjab government is preparing a comprehensive set of safety and regulatory measures for the upcoming Basant festival in Lahore, scheduled to take place from March 12 to 14, 2027.
The proposed framework includes strict safety requirements for rooftops, kite-related businesses and public spaces, along with significant penalties for violations.
Strict Rules Planned for Kite Flying
A meeting held to review preparations for Safe Basant 2027 was chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi.
Officials discussed security arrangements and measures aimed at preventing accidents during the festival. Authorities said kite flying would be permitted only under approved conditions and on designated days.
Outside the officially approved festival period, kite flying will remain prohibited across Punjab.
Under the proposed regulations, unauthorised kite flying could result in a fine of up to Rs. 2 million and imprisonment of up to five years.
The manufacturing, transportation or sale of kites and kite strings without government approval could carry a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine of up to Rs. 5 million.
Safety Checks for Rooftops
The government has also placed significant responsibility on building owners to ensure that rooftops used for kite flying are safe.
Unsafe or structurally weak buildings will not be permitted to host kite-flying activities. The Lahore Deputy Commissioner has been directed to inspect older structures and identify locations requiring repairs.
Authorities have said rooftop walls and protective grills at approved locations should be at least three-and-a-half feet high and structurally sound.
Repairs to rooftops, parapets and stairways at authorised locations are expected to be completed before the festival. Building owners have been given December 31, 2026, as the deadline for completing the required safety arrangements.
Permits for Kite Businesses
The Lahore administration is expected to issue permits for the manufacturing, transportation and sale of kites and kite strings during the current month.
Only businesses and individuals meeting the government’s requirements will be allowed to participate in the regulated kite trade.
The authorities have also warned that buildings found violating safety requirements or other legal provisions could face sealing.
Measures for Motorcyclists and Power Infrastructure
As part of the safety plan, the Lahore Chief Traffic Officer has been directed to arrange the installation of safety rods on more than two million motorcycles without charge.
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) will also be asked to install protective netting around relevant electrical installations to improve public safety during the festival.
Parents and Organisers to Ensure Children’s Safety
Officials have stressed that protecting children during Basant will be a shared responsibility.
Parents, guardians and event organisers will be expected to take appropriate precautions when children participate in kite-flying activities.
The government has also stated that building owners and event organisers could be held responsible if an accident, injury, loss of life or other legal violation occurs because of non-compliance with the prescribed safety measures.
The Punjab government says the regulations are intended to allow the traditional festival to take place while giving priority to public safety and preventing avoidable accidents.
