Siliguri, Nov. 10 -- Despite the state government's restrictions on sound-emitting firecrackers ahead of Kali Puja, several parts of Siliguri witnessed the use of loud firecrackers, raising concerns over noise pollution and the enforcement of the regulations.

Taking serious note of the violations, Tourism minister and Siliguri MLA Shankar Ghosh has warned of strict action against those involved in the sale and use of prohibited firecrackers. He said the administration would be urged to trace the sources of such firecrackers and identify the places from where they are being sold.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Ghosh said: "Despite restrictions on sound-emitting firecrackers, many people are deliberately violating the guidelines. We will hold a meeting with the administration to identify the sources of these firecrackers and find out where they are being sold. Appropriate steps will be taken to ensure that the restrictions are properly enforced."

The minister also presented comparative data on air and noise pollution during Kali Puja over the past few years, claiming that pollution levels have witnessed a decline following the change in government.

According to the figures shared by him, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) in Siliguri on Kali Puja day on November 4, 2021, stood at 130. In comparison, the AQI on Kali Puja day in 2026 came down to 83.

He also highlighted the improvement in noise pollution levels. As per the data presented by the minister, noise levels between 7 pm and 11 pm on Kali Puja day in 2022 ranged between 120 and 124 decibels. However, during the same time period in November 2026, the levels reportedly declined to between 107 and 110 decibels.

"Following the change in government, there has been some improvement in both air and noise pollution levels during Kali Puja. However, the continued use of prohibited sound-emitting firecrackers remains a matter of concern," Ghosh said.

He further stated that the administration would monitor compliance with firecracker restrictions during other occasions when the use of fireworks is particularly high, including New Year's Eve.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.