1234 Kolkata: Police have mapped certain areas in Kolkata, where illegal firecrackers were burst in abundance during Chhath in earlier years. Police have also included the neighbourhoods, from where most of the noise complaints were reported during Diwali.
"Places under these two categories have been mapped, and we will deploy cops in plainclothes there," said a senior divisional officer, adding gross noise rule violations were reported from only a few pockets. The mapping indicated that cops might have to be deployed around water bodies in Tangra, Beliaghata, Kasba, Paddapukur, Mukundapur, Survey Park and Behala. Police plan to monitor vehicles carrying Chhath revellers to the ghats. "If there are violations, we will seize the crackers. But we hope our appeal against noise pollution will work," said an officer. Cops have seized around 22 kg of banned firecrackers since last Friday after Diwali, but no arrest has been made.
Police pointed out that while no major violation was usually noticed at the major ghats along the Hooghly, most illegal firecrackers were burst at small water bodies, where only a few cops were deployed.
Among the complaints last year was from a professor in Tangra, who sent a detailed email of her ordeal over 48 hours. Stray complaints against music being played loudly on loudspeakers were also reported from places, like Tangra and Pragati Maidan, police said, adding that around 15 complaints came in last Chhath. "Chhath is an auspicious festival. The rituals around prayers being offered to the setting Sun on the third day of Chhath and the rising sun on the fourth day are supposed to take place in a serene atmosphere. But people have been bursting firecrackers and playing loud music over the past few years. They do not go with either our tradition or culture. We are increasing our efforts to ensure no major violations are committed," said Ranvir Singh, a participant.