Rally held to spread awareness over harmful effects of sound crackers

Kolkata: A public awareness rally to enlighten citizens about the harmful effects of crackers was held in Bhowanipore ahead on the eve of Diwali and Kali Puja.

"Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee always wants that we celebrate Diwali and Kali Puja without harming others.

"The message of the rally is to spread awareness about the harmful effects of

sound crackers on not only humans but also animals and mainly on the environment. Not only humans, but animals also get affected due to the bursting of crackers," said Ashim Basu, Councillor of ward number 70.

Children, youth and even the specially-abled participated in the rally along with

senior citizens that started

from Bhowanipore's Northern Park.

"We have roped in children because they are our future. They should know how crackers affect our lives," he added.

"Noise above 120dB is painful for humans and animals

and cause increased heart rate, psychological effects, nausea, vomiting and largely permanent hearing loss," said Dr Mohd Rizwan of Calcutta National Medical College and Hospital.

While the Supreme Court had outlined specific norms and ordered the ban with restricted use to green crackers in a two-hour window between 8 pm and 10 pm on Diwali, the annual firecrackers fair is usually held prior to Kali Puja in the heart of the city.

Sabuj Mancha, a platform of organisations and

people supporting environment, will conduct Civil Society Monitoring to record the situation on Kali Puja and Diwali.

"Our team members will keep vigilance across the city during the Festival of Lights. This apart, commoners can register their complaints if they find burning of crackers (sound) at public places is taking place or the Supreme Court order during Diwali is being violated," said Naba Dutta, convenor of Sabuj Mancha.