Police rope in senior citizens to build public opinion on pollution-free Diwali

Kolkata: The South East Division (SED) of Kolkata Police has come up with an initiative to involve senior citizens as volunteers to build public opinion in favour of pollution less Diwali and Kalipuja.

According to Deputy Commissioner (DC) of SED, from Tuesday the police have put up boards at several places where common people can write their opinion and suggestions on how to celebrate Kali Puja and Diwali without crackers and disturbing others.

Primarily two boards have been put up at the Calcutta Rowing Club (CRC) gate and Safari gate of Rabindra Sarobar.

The police are also trying to sensatise people about pets and street animals.

As during Kali Puja and Diwali, pets and street animals suffers the most due to loud sounds of crackers. People must not use such crackers which can create terror in animals. Sources informed on Wednesday that the police will organise a special campaign at the Safari gate with senior citizens and pet animals to generate awareness in people about the do's and don'ts during the festival of lights.

Apart from the awareness initiative, the police are also planning to involve senior citizens in the initiative. Though the police are trying to rope-in senior citizens in their programme, one is free to the join the initiative.

"Our aim is to offer people a safe and peaceful Kali Puja and Diwali. Apart from the awareness programme, we are announcing the dos and donts using mikes and loudspeakers. We will meet high-rise building stakeholders and local people to discourage them from bursting crackers that create pollution," said DC SED, Ajay Prasad.

He further informed that soon a rally will be taken out to create mass awareness among people.