Firecracker noise pollution has triggered a fresh controversy in Kolkata after Tollygunge BJP MLA Papiya Adhikari said that bursting firecrackers could make illnesses go away, even as the city police warned of legal action against violations during Kali Puja and Diwali.
Adhikari made the remark while inaugurating a Kali Puja in her constituency, according to a report by Anandabazar – West Bengal. A loud firecracker was burst in front of the stage while she was speaking into a microphone. Responding to the incident, she said firecrackers should be used during Kali Puja, but in accordance with police instructions.
“Firecrackers will be burst. If firecrackers are burst, you will see that many illnesses go away,” Adhikari said, as quoted in the report. Her comment came after she referred to remarks attributed to West Bengal Chief Minister Shubhendu Adhikari that firecrackers would be used during Kali Puja, but that people should use environmentally friendly or green firecrackers and follow restrictions on noise pollution.
The report said the chief minister had also urged people at Kali Puja inauguration events to use earthen lamps more extensively, alongside messages on environmental awareness. The combination of public celebrations, firecracker use and pollution controls has remained a recurring administrative challenge during the festival season.
Kolkata Police, through its headquarters at Lalbazar, is preparing security arrangements for Kali Puja and Diwali, according to the report. Police have issued instructions for maintaining law and order and have directed that immediate legal action be taken if people burst illegal sound-producing firecrackers in violation of court and environmental guidelines.
The police have also fixed instructions and a time limit for bursting firecrackers. The report did not specify the exact permitted hours or the legal provisions that would be applied in individual cases. It said, however, that residents commonly complain about excessive noise from firecrackers on Kali Puja night and that the police are taking a firm position this year.
The dispute places public messaging by elected representatives alongside the enforcement responsibilities of the police and environmental authorities. While the reported political message supported firecracker use within rules, the police position, as described by the report, is focused on preventing illegal sound-emitting fireworks and acting against violations.
The immediate operational issue for residents will be whether the prescribed timings and restrictions are followed across neighbourhood celebrations. The next steps identified in the report are the enforcement of the notified firecracker guidelines, maintenance of security during Kali Puja and Diwali, and legal action against violations of court and environmental directions.
