Punjab announces three-day Basant in Lahore under strict safety measures

LAHORE: Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi has announced that Basant will be celebrated in Lahore on March 12, 13 and 14, 2027, in accordance with the Punjab government’s directives, with stringent safety measures in place.

Chairing a meeting on Thursday to review arrangements for the festival, the Home Secretary said kite flying would remain strictly prohibited across Punjab except on the designated Basant days.

He directed all concerned departments to complete safety arrangements well before the festival and ensure strict implementation of the guidelines issued by the Home Department to protect human lives.

Under the safety measures, kite flying will not be permitted on unsafe or structurally weak rooftops. Roof walls and grills at permitted locations must be at least 3.5 feet high and strong enough to ensure the safety of participants. The responsibility for the structural safety and durability of rooftops used for kite flying will rest with the property owners.

The Home Secretary further directed building owners to complete all necessary rooftop safety arrangements by December 31, 2026. The Deputy Commissioner Lahore was instructed to conduct comprehensive inspections of rooftops in old buildings and houses and prohibit kite flying at locations deemed unsafe.

Property owners will also be responsible for ensuring that electrical wires located near rooftops are made safe before Basant. Meanwhile, LESCO was directed to secure electrical installations with protective nets in a timely manner.

City Traffic Police Lahore will install safety rods on more than two million motorcycles free of cost before the festival to help prevent injuries caused by kite strings.

The Deputy Commissioner Lahore was also directed to issue permits for the manufacture, supply and sale of kites and strings within the prescribed limits.

During Basant, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will be responsible for safely removing and destroying kites caught in trees, while LESCO will remove kites from electricity poles and wires.

The Home Secretary said safety certificates for building lifts would be mandatory during Basant, while the storage of flammable materials on rooftops would remain prohibited. First-aid kits must also be available at all authorized kite-flying locations.

The meeting was attended by Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, Commissioner Lahore, Deputy Commissioner Lahore, DIG Operations Lahore, CTO Lahore, Additional Secretary Internal Security, Additional Secretary Judicial, Director Law, Director Civil Defense Punjab and representatives of LESCO, PHA, the Walled City of Lahore Authority and LDA.