Feared environmental degradation and destruction of biodiversity at Rabindra Sarovar and Subhas Sarobar during ensuing Chhat Festival
Ref: SM/Sound/2020/8 Dated:12.11.2020
Smt Mamata Banerjee
Hon’ble Chief Minister
Govt. of West Bengal
Nabanna, Howrah
Sub: Appeal for issuing circular banning all sorts of fireworks to minimise the impact of air pollution as per the order of Kolkata High Court, as well as banning DJ, loudspeakers and equipment creating noise pollution.
Respected Madam,
Please accept our heartiest festive greetings from Sabuj Mancha the platform of environment organisations and individuals keen to safeguard environment across the state.
You are aware that bursting, purchase and sale of all kinds of fireworks, has been banned by the High Court vide order dated 5.11.20. The order is to be effective not only for Kali Puja and Diwli but also for Chhat Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja and Guru Nanak’s BirthDay. The High Court has also issued an order on 10.11.20 banning DJ and other equipment, which create sound pollution. The Supreme Court also has ratified the High Court order.
Environmentalists and doctors have long been demanding the complete ban on bursting of all fireworks particularly in view of the Covid condition in state, and post High Court order, we expect the state to execute the same in totality. But we are astonished and aggrieved that neither the Department of Environment nor the State Pollution Control Board nor any appropriate department or state agency has issued so far any circular for implementation of the High Cout Order. While NGT clearly acknowledged that as per the High Court order, complete ban on fireworks stands in entire West Bengal, it is unfortunate that as per media report, the Minister-in-Charge of Environment Department had expressed opinion in favour of providing relaxation to the eco-friendly fireworks. While we do not know the reliability of such reports, we feel such incidents only add to the confusion. We hereby, strongly oppose any such initiative, if considered, and demand clear government message about the blanket ban on all kinds of fireworks throughout the state in conformity to Kolkata high court order.
We, hence, request you to kindly issue immediate instruction to all concerned that the High Court orders are strictly followed and oblige.
Like every year we will undertake our independent civil society monitoring during the Kalipuja, Diwali evenings and would like to extend all kinds of support to your government in its effort to prohibit all sorts of fireworks, fire crackers, DJ etc as per high court order.
Yours sincerely,
Best regards,
Naba Dutta, Secretary, Sabuj Mancha
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