NMC appeals people to opt for noise pollution-free Diwali
| Date :11-Nov-2020 |
Staff Reporter :
Against the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic, Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has appealed citizens to opt for noise pollution free Diwali celebrations. Similarly to ensure compliance with the directives, Radhakrishnan B, Municipal Commissioner, has banned bursting of high decibel firecrackers, particularly Sutli Bomb and similar items during the festivities.
These firecrackers tend to make high decibel noise, at times ear splitting one. Hence, the ban would be a big relief for senior citizens and those down with fever or other related issues. NMC’s directives were issued on Tuesday and are in tune with appeal from Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray wherein he asked people to avoid crackers as same may cause problem for COVID-19 patients due to increased pollution in the air. Health experts, too, has advised State Government to consider imposing total ban on sale and bursting of firecrackers, but authorities have decided to make emotional pitch and hope good sense prevails and citizens opt for muted celebrations this year around.
During the time of Diwali, bursting of crackers is a long time tradition and especially on night of Laxmipujan it hits the peak. For a while, the air quality in city do gets worse but this year even that may spell danger of the COVID-19 patients, even for those who have recovered from the virus as same may cause breathing problems. Hence, the administration has sought people's co-operation so that there is no big celebrations of Diwali, especially use of crackers. The civic officials however said if people all together avoid using crackers then same would be simply good for their health and that of others.
Anticipating the lackluster sale of crackers, the number of shops selling the items are all time low. The sale so far have been lukewarm and just during the time of Diwali people may go for purchases of crackers but hopefully same could be see some dip compared to normal times, the authorities feel. The officials have also advised caution on part of citizens during the festivities so that there is no let down of guard. Social distancing and wearing of mask, two important parameters for safety during pandemic, must be practiced with sincerity.
However as to use of sanitizers a word of caution is given by civic officials asking citizens to be very alert given that during bursting of crackers the risk would increased manifold. Instead people should preferably use soap for washing the hands instead of sanitizers which is flammable during the time of Diwali. Also there should not large gathering of people at one place and no community celebrations of Diwali this year. Especially programmes like Diwali Pahat stands should not be organised to avoid community transmission.