Authorities in Lahore have confirmed that kite flying will remain banned in public parks and greenbelts during the upcoming Basant festival, even as the three-day celebration returns to the city in February after nearly two decades. The ban comes as officials prepare to strictly monitor festivities and protect park infrastructure.
The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) announced the restriction after city administrators decided on a digital monitoring strategy for Basant, which is scheduled from February 6 to 8, 2026, to ensure that kite flying activities do not damage trees, lawns, and other public property.
Why the Ban on Parks
PHA Managing Director Raja Mansoor Ahmad explained that the park restrictions were necessary because Basant attracts visitors not only from Lahore but also from other parts of Punjab and across Pakistan and abroad. The presence of large crowds and unregulated kite flying in parks could lead to damage to greenbelts, plants, and infrastructure.
Although the Basant festival itself has been reinstated under controlled conditions, the authorities are keen to reduce the risk of accidents and preserve city property. Visitors will still be able to access parks for general recreation, but kite flying will not be permitted in these areas during the festival.
Monitoring and Safety Measures
The Lahore administration plans to use technology-aided monitoring to enforce the ban and prevent violations. Drones and Safe City cameras will assist officials in tracking crowd movement and spotting illegal kite flying in parks and green spaces. Control rooms will operate day and night to coordinate responses with ground teams.
This approach is part of a broader Basant safety and regulation plan submitted to the Lahore High Court, which divides the city into risk-based zones for focused oversight during the festival. Cameras and patrol points will help enforce safety norms while allowing approved kite flying in permitted zones.
Context: Basant Festival’s Return and Limits
The Basant festival, a traditional celebration of spring featuring kite flying, was historically a major cultural event in Lahore but was banned for many years due to safety concerns related to sharp kite strings, injuries, and fatalities.
In late 2025, the Punjab government passed the Punjab Regulation of Kite Flying Bill 2025, enabling a carefully regulated form of Basant to proceed in Lahore under strict rules. This framework empowers deputy commissioners to issue permits for kite flying in designated areas on specific days, while banning hazardous materials such as glass-coated or metallic strings.
Even with regulatory approval for the festival itself, the park’s ban reflects a cautious approach to balancing tradition with public safety and infrastructure protection.
What Residents Should Know
- Parks & greenbelts: Kite flying remains banned.
- Basant festival days: Officially recognized from Feb 6–8, 2026.
- Monitoring: Drones, Safe City cameras, and patrol teams are active.
- Kite materials: Only approved and registered kites and cotton strings are permitted under safety guidelines.
Residents planning to participate in Basant kite activities should follow official announcements on permitted zones and safety protocols and avoid restricted areas such as parks to prevent fines or confiscation of gear.
