Lahore will host a three-day ‘Safe Basant’ on March 12, 13 and 14, 2027, with the Punjab government introducing strict safety measures to prevent accidents and protect lives during the festival.
The Punjab home secretary said kite-flying will remain strictly prohibited across Punjab outside the three designated Basant dates, while extensive precautions have been ordered for authorized kite-flying activities in Lahore.
The Home Department has issued essential safety guidelines ahead of Basant, with kite-flying prohibited on unsafe or structurally unsound rooftops.
Rooftop parapet walls and safety grills must be at least 3.5 feet high and structurally robust. Property owners will be responsible for ensuring the structural integrity and safety of rooftops used for kite-flying.
All necessary repairs to rooftops, parapets and staircases at authorized locations must be completed before Basant. Building owners have been directed to complete all rooftop safety arrangements by December 31, 2026.
The deputy commissioner must conduct thorough inspections of old buildings and rooftops. If an inspection report is unsatisfactory, the DC will prohibit kite-flying on structurally weak buildings or unsafe rooftops.
Power lines, motorcycles and city infrastructure
Building owners will also be required to secure power lines located near rooftops before Basant to reduce the risk of accidents.
Lahore City Traffic Police will install safety rods on more than 2 million motorcycles free of charge before the festival.
The Lahore deputy commissioner will issue permits this month for the manufacturing, distribution and sale of kites and kite-flying strings, within the prescribed limits.
The Lahore Electric Supply Company (LESCO) has been directed to timely secure all its installations with protective netting.
During Basant, the Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) will clear city trees, while LESCO poles and wires will also be addressed. Any kites caught on such infrastructure must be retrieved and disposed of safely.
Additional requirements at Basant venues
Obtaining safety certificates for building elevators will be mandatory during the Basant period. The storage of flammable materials on rooftops will also be prohibited.
First-aid supplies must be available at all designated kite-flying venues.
Parents, guardians and organizers will bear primary responsibility for ensuring children’s safety during kite-flying activities. Building owners and organizers will jointly be responsible for ensuring that all safety measures are in place for children and other participants using rooftops.
Officials empowered to seal unsafe buildings
Causing distress or harassment to local residents and the general public, as well as engaging in uncivilized behavior, will be strictly prohibited during Basant.
Authorized officers from the district administration, police and relevant departments will inspect rooftops being used for kite-flying. The DC has been authorized to seal any building found violating the law or government directives.
The Punjab Home Department said building owners and organizers will be held liable for any accidents, loss of life, injuries or other legal violations occurring during Basant.
The measures are aimed at allowing Lahore to celebrate Basant while maintaining strict controls over rooftops, electrical infrastructure, motorcycles, kite sales and public safety.
