Have Sound and Air Pollution Levels in Kolkata Exceeded Acceptable Limits Due to Firecracker Violations?
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Synopsis
Kolkata faces a serious environmental crisis as residents are subjected to excessive sound and air pollution due to ongoing violations of firecracker regulations. With alarming AQI levels in key areas, the need for stricter enforcement and proactive measures has never been more critical.
Key Takeaways
- Sound pollution levels exceed legal limits in Kolkata.
- Air Quality Index readings indicate unhealthy conditions.
- Environmentalists call for stronger enforcement of firecracker regulations.
- Key areas affected include Victoria Memorial and Jadavpur.
- Addressing illegal manufacturing is critical for long-term solutions.
Kolkata, Oct 22 (NationPress) Residents of Kolkata are facing ongoing challenges due to the blatant disregard for firecracker regulations, resulting in sound and air pollution levels surpassing acceptable thresholds as recently as Wednesday.
The established decibel limits for silence zones at 40 and 45 in densely populated areas were significantly breached. Data reported until Wednesday morning indicated that noise levels fluctuated between 58 and 75 throughout Tuesday night.
Moreover, air pollution levels throughout various city sectors were alarmingly elevated. According to the Air Quality Index (AQI) readings from multiple monitoring sites, the AQI level at Victoria Memorial in the Maidan region, often referred to as the lungs of Kolkata, reached a concerning 259 by 11 p.m. on Tuesday.
Additional areas, such as Jadavpur and Ballygunj in South Kolkata, recorded AQI levels of 204 and 169, respectively.
Based on AQI standards, both Victoria and Jadavpur fell into the “purple” or “very unhealthy” category, indicating heightened health risks for everyone. Meanwhile, Ballygunge was classified in the “red” or “unhealthy” category, suggesting that some individuals may experience health issues, with vulnerable groups facing more severe consequences.
Environmental advocates argue that despite numerous regulations and penalties in West Bengal regarding the violation of firecracker norms, the on-ground enforcement remains woefully inadequate.
They contend that a proactive approach should have been taken prior to the festive season, particularly targeting illegal firecracker manufacturers. Furthermore, they believe that police actions during festivities primarily focus on confiscating illegal firecrackers, while a more necessary approach would involve addressing the root causes by cracking down on the manufacturing sources of these illegal products.
Point of View
I believe that the persistent violations of firecracker norms in Kolkata highlight a significant gap between legislation and enforcement. While regulations exist, the lack of effective implementation is alarming. It's crucial for authorities to take comprehensive action, not just during festivities but consistently, to protect public health and the environment.
NationPress
22/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the permissible sound decibel limits in Kolkata?
The permissible sound decibel limits in Kolkata are set at 40 in silence zones and 45 in densely populated areas.
What does an AQI reading of 259 indicate?
An AQI reading of 259 falls within the 'very unhealthy' category, which poses health risks for all individuals.
Why is the enforcement of firecracker regulations important?
Enforcement of firecracker regulations is crucial to minimize air and sound pollution, protecting public health and the environment.
What areas in Kolkata are most affected by pollution?
Victoria Memorial, Jadavpur, and Ballygunj are among the areas most affected by high pollution levels in Kolkata.
What actions are recommended to address illegal firecracker manufacturing?
A comprehensive crackdown on illegal firecracker manufacturing is recommended to address the root causes of the pollution problem.
