Noise Pollution on the Rise in Kolkata: A Conundrum of Regulations and Social Attitudes

Strategic Insights -

The past three days of celebrations in Kolkata, marked by the bursting of crackers during Kali Puja and Diwali, have highlighted the stark reality of noise pollution in the city. Environmental activists and social workers have expressed dismay over the widespread disregard for noise norms, despite widespread awareness campaigns. The situation has sparked a heated debate about the effectiveness of regulations and the societal attitude towards noise pollution. Key stakeholders, including activists, researchers, and industry representatives, have weighed in on the issue, pointing to the need for a multi-pronged approach to tackle the problem.

Key Takeaways:

  • Social activist Subhas Datta, who was forced to relocate due to noise pollution, lamented the failure of activists to sensitise people about the need to stop polluting the environment.
  • Former noise watchdog and PCB law officer Biswajit Mukherjee pointed out that a minority of the population (5%) is responsible for causing inconvenience to the majority through noise pollution.
  • Mukherjee advocated for strict regulations to curb noise pollution, stating that "no amount of sensitisation will get a 100% result."
  • Emeritus professor of sociology at Presidency University, Prasanta Roy, attributed the noise pollution issue to a vicious cycle of powerlessness among cops, desperation among fire cracker manufacturers, and a lack of civic space for protest.
  • Burrabazar Fireworks Dealers Association vice-president Dhruv Narula emphasized that the issue is not with noise levels but with people bursting crackers beyond the permitted window.
  • Naba Dutta, founder of Sabuj Mancha, advocated for a blanket ban on fireworks and the use of LED technology for light displays that are pollution-free.

Statistics:

  • 95% of respondents in a survey conducted around two decades ago welcomed the enforcement of a 90 dB upper limit for crackers. (Figure cited by Biswajit Mukherjee)
  • 5% of the population felt their right to celebrate by bursting crackers was being impinged upon. (Figure cited by Biswajit Mukherjee)
  • 120 dB noise level generated by shells and shots launching display fireworks in the sky. (Cited by Dhruv Narula)

Sources:

  • TNN Kolkata
  • Quotes from Subhas Datta, Biswajit Mukherjee, Prasanta Roy, Dhruv Narula, and Naba Dutta