Siliguri, 25th October: In an effort to curb noise and air pollution during the upcoming Diwali celebrations, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation have announced a collaborative initiative. A press conference was held on Friday to discuss the plans.
According to reports, the march will take place on Sunday, starting from the Kanchenjunga Stadium and proceeding to Mahatma Gandhi More (Airview More). The aim of the march is to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of noise pollution.
The event featured key speakers including IMA Secretary Shankha Sen, Himalayan Nature and Adventure Foundation Secretary Deep Narayan Talukdar, and Program Coordinator Animesh Bose, among others.
In this regard, Shankha Sen emphasized that Diwali should be a festival of lights rather than noise. He noted that firecrackers sold in the market can produce noise levels exceeding 70 decibels, contributing to noise pollution. He also pointed out that excessive use of DJs during the celebrations worsens the problem. Despite a ban on firecrackers by the Supreme Court, they continue to be used widely.
Meanwhile, Animesh Bose highlighted that noise pollution not only affects humans but also causes distress to animals and birds. To address these issues, the awareness march on Sunday will encourage the community to celebrate in a more environmentally friendly manner.