The sale of kites and kite strings officially began in Lahore on Sunday, ahead of the annual Basant festival.

The city administration has granted permission to 2,246 traders to sell kites and related materials until February 8.

After this date, manufacturing and sales of kites will be completely prohibited.

According to authorities, 2,504 traders have applied online for registration so far, while 163 applications are still in progress and 95 have been rejected.

Registration will continue until February 8.

To ensure the safety of citizens during festivities and to tackle any emergency situations, Lahore Commissioner Maryam Khan has announced the formation of 10 quick response teams.

These teams, which will ensure compliance with Basant regulations, will have representation from 13 departments, with the assistant commissioners serving as team conveners.

The teams will oversee safety checks on buildings and rooftops, ensure compliance with electrical safety regulations, monitor the Basant Act, and coordinate emergency response efforts.

“All dilapidated buildings and rooftops will be identified and inspected within two days,” the commissioner said.

Notices will be posted on unsafe rooftops, and building owners will be required to provide affidavits.

The administration will take responsibility for any activities on prohibited rooftops.

Rescue 1122, Civil Defence, and ambulance services will remain on high alert during the festival, sources said.

The district administration has made it clear that kites and strings can only be bought from officially registered shops.

In addition, only approved kite sizes are allowed, and only cotton strings can be used for flying.

The use of kite strings made with synthetic or hazardous materials, such as nylon, chemical, or glass, is strictly prohibited.

Motorcyclists will be required to install protective iron rods on their bikes to stay safe.

Meanwhile, many residents gathered before midnight at shops in Lahore’s Mochi Gate to purchase kites and strings, but shopkeepers made it clear that the sale would begin in the morning.

The district administration reiterated that only registered traders would be allowed to sell, in line with Basant regulations.