Kolkata Faces Firework Crisis as Noise Violations Surge Ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali

Kolkata Faces Firework Crisis as Noise Violations Surge Ahead of Kali Puja and Diwali

1620+ Words Refined into 7 Facts by AI • 2 sources • 22h ago

• The recent resurgence of firecracker use in Kolkata has alarmed environmentalists and residents, with reports of noise levels exceeding legal limits. Sunita Chanda, a local resident, expressed her concerns, stating, 'I fear worse for Kali Puja and Diwali nights.'
• Despite a Supreme Court mandate limiting firework noise to 125 decibels, the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) has struggled to enforce these regulations effectively. Prabir Purkait from Kasba noted, 'All kinds of fireworks, including rockets and chocolate bombs, were burst all over our neighbourhood.'
• The shift from a 90-decibel limit to 125 decibels has been criticized as a failure of policy, with environmentalists arguing it signals a lack of seriousness about noise control. Activists claim that the administration's negligence has allowed illegal fireworks factories to proliferate, leading to numerous accidents and fatalities.
• Monitoring of firework sales and usage has deteriorated, with reports indicating that two-thirds of fireworks lack valid QR codes, which are supposed to certify their safety. Sudipta Bhattacharya, an environmentalist, highlighted the issue, stating, 'Roughly two-thirds of the samples from several brands do not have valid QR codes.'
• Illegal online sales of fireworks have surged, despite a Supreme Court ban, complicating enforcement efforts. Naba Dutta, an activist, noted that major buyers are increasingly procuring fireworks online to avoid scrutiny.
• The WBPCB's role in noise pollution control has diminished, with responsibility shifted to the MSME department, which lacks the necessary expertise. This has led to a 'pass-the-buck game' among various departments, according to environmental activist Naba Dutta.
• Overall, the situation reflects a broader failure of governance, with environmentalists warning that the upcoming Kali Puja and Diwali celebrations could see even greater violations of noise regulations.