Punjab Police Outline Strict Safety Measures for Basant 2026

The Punjab Police have rolled out a comprehensive 27-point safety plan to ensure that Basant celebrations in Lahore remain safe, controlled, and enjoyable. Submitted to the Lahore High Court, the plan emphasizes public safety while allowing limited festivities in the city.

This year, Basant will be celebrated only in Lahore on February 6, 7, and 8. Kite flying remains banned across the rest of Punjab, making Lahore the focal point of the festival.

To manage the event effectively, Lahore has been divided into red, yellow, and green zones. Each zone comes with specific rules designed to minimize risks. Motorcycles without antennas will not be allowed in red zones, and both riders and passengers must wear helmets. These measures aim to reduce accidents and ensure smooth traffic flow.

Kite flying will be strictly regulated. Only cotton thread is permitted, while chemical-coated, metallic, or glass-coated strings are banned. Registered kites will be allowed, ensuring that unsafe materials do not enter the festival. This step directly addresses past safety concerns linked to dangerous kite strings.

Crowd management is another priority. The plan includes deploying 5,000 free rickshaws to facilitate safe transport across the city. This initiative is expected to ease congestion and provide families with secure travel options during the festival days.

The police strategy also draws on data from the past decade, highlighting recurring risks and proposing solutions. By combining strict enforcement with community-friendly measures, authorities hope to strike a balance between tradition and safety.

The Basant festival has long been a cultural highlight in Lahore, attracting locals and visitors alike. With this new safety plan, Punjab Police aim to preserve the spirit of the event while ensuring that celebrations remain secure and well-organized.