Kolkata Residents Plagued by Deafening Diwali Celebrations

On the night of October 21, 2025, Kolkata residents were once again plagued by extreme noise pollution from firecracker explosions, a day after the Diwali festival. The "noise demon" that had unsettled the city the previous night returned with similar fury, particularly in traditional high-noise areas, breaching the 10 pm deadline and decibel limits.

While the situation was slightly better than the previous night, residents in areas like Kasba, Kalikapur, Garfa, Dhakuria, Jadavpur, New Alipore, Behala, Lake Town, Bangur Avenue, Sinthee, and Phoolbagan-Ultadanga found little respite. The celebratory din began around 9 pm and extended past midnight, spreading thick smoke and driving up the city's air quality index.

Multiple complaints were lodged across the city, and even hospital neighborhoods were not spared. Residents expressed frustration at the lack of enforcement, with some saying they had to call the police to intervene. The problem was particularly acute in the posh high-rises of New Town, where residents continued to flout the norms for three days.