Petition to Observe an Anti-Sound Pollution Diwali for the Welfare of Animals

To,
Kolkata Police Commissionerate and West Bengal Police Commissionerate. 

Subject: Request for an Anti-Sound Pollution Diwali to Protect Animals and Wildlife

Sir,

We, the undersigned citizens of Kolkata, South 24 Pargana, India respectfully submit this petition to appeal for stricter regulations on firecrackers and sound pollution during the Diwali festival, with a focus on protecting animals and wildlife from the harmful effects of excessive noise.

Background and Need for the Petition:

Diwali, the festival of lights, brings joy and celebration to millions, but the indiscriminate use of high-decibel firecrackers has severe repercussions on the environment and especially on animals. The intense sound levels cause extreme distress and trauma to pets, street animals, birds, and urban wildlife, which lack the protection humans have against noise pollution. Many animals are forced to flee their habitats, suffer hearing impairments, or face life-threatening conditions.

Legal Support for Our Appeal:

In support of this petition, we would like to highlight relevant Indian laws and guidelines that support the welfare of animals and mandate noise pollution control:

1. Article 51-A(g) of the Indian Constitution: It is a fundamental duty of every citizen to have compassion for living creatures. Loud firecrackers and sound pollution violate this duty, impacting the physical and mental well-being of animals.

2. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960: This Act states that causing unnecessary pain or suffering to animals is punishable by law. The noise from firecrackers is a clear source of distress and harm, especially as animals have heightened auditory senses.

3. The Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000: These rules, under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, set permissible sound limits for various zones, including residential areas, which are frequently violated during Diwali. According to these rules, strict measures should be taken to control noise pollution levels, especially during festivals.

4. Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) Guidelines: The CPCB has issued guidelines limiting the permissible noise level for firecrackers to 125 decibels at a 4-meter distance from the point of bursting. However, a lack of stringent enforcement during Diwali exacerbates the noise pollution problem.

 

Our Request:

In light of these laws and in accordance with the duty of care towards animals, we urge the Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police to take the following measures:

Limit the use of high-decibel firecrackers and promote quieter, eco-friendly alternatives during Diwali.

Enforce sound-level restrictions as per the CPCB guidelines and impose penalties on those violating noise pollution norms.

Educate and raise awareness among citizens regarding the harmful effects of noise pollution on animals and the legal framework that supports animal welfare.

We believe that Diwali can be celebrated joyously without causing harm to animals. By supporting an anti-sound pollution Diwali, we not only protect our environment but also honor the spirit of compassion embedded in our cultural and legal frameworks.

Thank you for considering this request, and we hope to receive a positive response for the welfare of all living beings.

Sincerely,

Adv. Debsena Nandi

BA.LL.B, LL.M, LL.D