Kali Puja
With violations reported in several pockets since Friday, residents and environmental activists fear the festive Sunday could test the city’s noise-control measures. Residents of Dhakuria, Alipore and other neighbourhoods reported similar disturbances. Two residents of Kasba and Garia reported similar disturbances.
Subhasree Majumdar of Jadavpur said the repeated bursting of shells had left her ailing aunt uncomfortable and her pet dog frightened. Metro officials, however, said services were not affected. Naba Datta of rights group Nagarik Mancha, which records noise violations during Kali Puja and Diwali, said rampant sale of crackers outside Bazi Bazaars and in local markets had led to the proliferation of noise crackers.
For residents, the violations were more than just a breach of rules. The noise was particularly distressing for children, elderly people, patients and pets. At Silver Spring off EM Bypass, police received multiple complaints from residents over the past three days. A team visited the complex and asked the residents’ welfare association to again warn residents to follow the stipulations. Environmental activists have expressed concern over the likely scale of violations on Diwali night.
Kolkata: The sound of firecrackers grew louder across the city as Dhanteras gave way to Chhoti Diwali , raising concerns over whether Kali Puja and Diwali on Sunday could see a further escalation in noise levels. A Behala resident said crackers were being burst every few minutes on Saturday evening. Metro commuters said they spotted burnt remains of rockets and shells falling on Metro overhead tracks on Saturday evening.