Deepabali – A Celebration of light, not that of noise

I wish every citizen a happy Kali Puja and Diwali. I pray, let there be light in every body’s life, not noise. In fact, I strongly believe that Kali Puja and Diwali have always been festivals of light. There is so much of joy in seeing the fire-works and at the same time there is so much of distress because of high noise of crackers.

The noise-burden of the city is quite unbearable now. Critics say, Kolkata is the ‘noise capital’ of India. There is truth in it. High decibel fire-crackers make the lives of old and ailing people miserable. A momentary joy in bursting crackers often causes temporary or permanent hearing impairment. The noise makes the lives of animals and birds even more miserable.  

Long before this Diwali, we have initiated a virtual battle against use of banned high-decibel fire-works. Simply through enforcement, it is nearly impossible to make Diwali night a celebration of light, not that of noise. Two major hubs of fireworks-manufacturing units are located closed to Kolkata. They are supposed to manufacture them for other states where the noise-pollution norms are bit relaxed. But pilferage happens and banned fireworks are smuggled in. All this happens because there is a demand.

As part of the campaign, I urgently feel that it is high time we have a lively debate on the use of noisy fire-works. Let environmentalists and doctors come out with their views on the ill-effect of high-decibel fireworks on health and environment. Let historians say how and when the festival of light turned into a festival of noise. Let sociologists tell what social implications this sudden spurt of noise pollution may have. Let economist quantify the environmental damage and the financial loss incurred by the noise. Let a man on the street opine.

There must be a large number of citizens who might think otherwise. They might think that one day of noise pollution hardly makes any difference. They might think that police action against bursting sound producing fire-crackers is an attack on the tradition and heritage. There might be far more outrageous views on this issue than we could conceive. We even invite them, who do not agree with the ban, to this debate. Let them speak their heart out.

Let’s have a lively platform of debate and discussion out of which we might get some unique solutions to the problem keeping in mind the orders of Hon’ble High Court, Calcutta and the Pollution Control Board, West Bengal, that restrain possession, sale and use of fire-crackers which produce or create more than 90 dB (A) noise impulse at 5 meters distance from the point of bursting.

We should nurture a sense of pride being a responsible citizen by abiding the directives of Hon’ble High Court, Calcutta for the interest of the society. We hope that finally good sense would prevail.

I once more appeal to common citizen to be alert like they were during the Durga Puja. Please don’t hesitate to tell us about any suspicious activity, any unclaimed, abandoned objects lying in your locality. You can inform either to the local police station or Lalbazar Control Room on toll free no-1090. Your identity would be protected completely.

Check out whether any unclaimed vehicle, two-wheeler or bi-cycle parked in your locality for long time. Please inform Kolkata Police immediately. If you gather any information about presence of suspected explosive devices, just pass the information on local police station or Lalbazar Control Room. All telephone numbers are available on Kolkata police website — www.kolkatapolice.gov.in or dial 100 & 1090.

Never panic. You can always check out with us before believing in rumour. Rumour is often spread purposely just to complicate the situation or to break the peace.

Please don’t create panic on getting any information or receiving telephone calls regarding any subversive activities and extend necessary assistance to police. Don’t crowd the place if any suspicious object has been found. Please co-operate with police and clear the area as soon as possible. Our beloved city will be safe.

Let the light of festivity reign supreme over the demon of noise.

Yours truly,

Gautam Mohan Chakrabarti