Siliguri, 10th November: Despite restrictions on noisy firecrackers ahead of Kali Puja, their widespread use across Siliguri caused considerable distress among residents and sparked a debate over air and noise pollution on social media.
Amid the controversy, Tourism Minister Shankar Ghosh presented pollution data from previous years to explain the government’s stance on the issue.
According to the Minister, the average Air Quality Index (AQI) on Kali Puja day on November 4, 2021 stood at 130, compared to 83 in 2026. He claimed that the figures indicated a significant improvement in air quality.
Sharing data on noise pollution, Ghosh stated that noise levels between 7 PM and 11 PM during Kali Puja in 2022 ranged from 120 to 124 decibels. In comparison, the levels during the same period in 2026 ranged between 107 and 110 decibels.
The Minister maintained that both air and noise pollution levels during Kali Puja had declined since the change of government.
