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Kolkata's Nights Shattered by Firecracker Noise
13 Nov
Summary
- Firecracker noise returned to Kolkata, distressing residents and animals.
- Noise levels exceeded standards, persisting past midnight on Wednesday.
- Environmental activists criticized inadequate enforcement of noise limits.
Kolkata residents endured a significant return of high-decibel firecracker noise on Wednesday night, coinciding with immersion processions. This renewed sonic assault distressed many, including patients, and caused stray animals to seek shelter. The noise, which began in the evening, persisted well past midnight, breaking a brief period of quiet. Despite regulations on high-decibel crackers and usage times, immersion participants largely ignored these rules.
Monitoring stations operated by the West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) recorded noise levels exceeding the 40 dB night-time standard at several sites. Maulana Azad College notably registered 67.5 dB at 1 am. Other locations like Tangra and Jadavpur University also reported elevated levels late into the night. Environmental activists expressed disappointment with the enforcement of noise pollution rules, with some alleging authorities overlooked random firecracker usage.
Activists highlighted that prescribed ambient noise limits in residential areas are 45 dB at night, and 40 dB in silence zones. Although monitoring stations measure overall ambient noise, the sustained late-night readings reinforced concerns about the failure to protect citizens from excessive noise during immersion festivities.
