LAHORE: The Punjab government has announced the dates for the Basant festival in Lahore, with the celebrations scheduled for March 12, 13 and 14, 2027, under a safety-focused framework for kite flying.
The decision was made during a meeting chaired by Punjab Home Secretary Ahmed Javed to review arrangements for the festival. According to the announcement, authorities will focus on ensuring that buildings and rooftops used for kite flying meet the prescribed safety requirements.
The home secretary stated that kite flying would not be permitted on rooftops considered unsafe. Building owners have been directed to construct protective walls at least three and a half feet high on rooftops before December 31, 2026. Repairs must also be carried out at approved locations where necessary.
Ahmed Javed further directed deputy commissioners to arrange comprehensive inspections of rooftops on old buildings and residential properties. If an inspection report identifies a building as structurally unsafe, the deputy commissioner will be required to prohibit kite flying there.
Responsibility for ensuring that a rooftop is structurally suitable for kite flying will rest with the property owner. The instructions are intended to reduce risks associated with weak structures and unsafe rooftop arrangements during the festivities.
The secretary also said that property owners would be responsible for taking safety measures if electrical wires were located close to rooftops. Such precautions are intended to reduce the risk of accidents involving overhead electricity lines during kite-flying activities.
