West Bengal Pollution Control Board to use whistleblowers against noise pollution
The board assured environmental experts that the identities of those reporting noise violations during Kali Puja and Diwali will be kept confidential.
The West Bengal Pollution Control Board (WBPCB) will use whistleblowers to help curb noise pollution during Kali Puja and Diwali, according to a report by Telegraph India. Member secretary Ashok Pratap Singh gave this assurance during a Wednesday evening discussion with a group of activists, physicians, and environmental experts in the city.
The board is considering the creation of a dedicated WhatsApp helpline for complaints to address fears of retaliation, particularly in rural areas. Singh also agreed to write to hospital heads across the state to ensure firecrackers are not burst on premises designated as silent zones.
During the meeting, ENT specialist Dwaipayan Mukherjee noted that continuous fireworks disturb patients, including those in intensive care units. The board will also request that the police remain vigilant to prevent firecrackers from being burst in and around hospitals.
The delegation, which included public health expert Arunabha Majumdar and former sheriff of Calcutta Dulal Bose, urged the board to ensure only green fireworks are sold. Officials stated they have started monitoring fireworks markets in Calcutta and will ask district magistrates to do the same in districts.
Environment activist Kunal Sen said the group's charter includes a demand for a commission to book violators and provide compensation to families of 'noise martyrs'. Biswajit Mukherjee, former chief law officer of the state board, said a detailed proposal regarding this demand will be submitted to the board.