Let fireworks assault our reverie?

Despite a noisy Diwali this year, the Ministry of environment and forests has proposed extending the 10 pm deadline for firecrackers till midnight. DNA weighs the merits and demerits of the intended move.

Expert view
Change will be misused by some
I'm concerned with this issue because after the amendment is brought about, the act can be misused. Firstly there is no need to bring about an extension even for a single day for loudspeakers or firecrackers. Mumbai is already one of the noisiest cities in the world. Secondly it also proposes giving autonomous powers to district magistrates, so there is a possibility that some person with connections will use this law for their private celebrations. District magistrates for Thane, Navi Mumbai and Mumbai are different, so there will be no concurrence of the fixed days. The amendment will affect students, patients will be disturbed. However the ministry should take charge to avoid a situation where there are chances of increasing pollution which affect the environment.
—Sumaira Abdulali, founder, Awaaz Foundation

Reduced hearing is a big problem
The Noise Rules, 2000 shouldn't be amended. This will lead to more noise in the city. Already the current decibel levels are beyond the permissible norms. Noise pollution can generate hypertension, anger and psychological problems among people. Due to the extended hours permitted for the fireworks, sleep patterns of people may be affected. They may not be able to work the next day, as a result of this disturbance. Hearing problems can be a major issue for those living with so much noise. If the menace persists, for a longer time people will have a permanent hearing problem. More patients are visiting doctors mainly due to noise pollution.
—Milind Navalakhe, assistant professor, Nair Hospital

Plan nature friendly fests
Noise pollution for children can be very frightening. In fact this is the reason why there are stringent guidelines on this internationally. Children get up with a start from their sleep, it affects their schedule. Bedwetting is prompted by latent fears, sudden noise can have an impact on self-esteem. On December 7, people are gathering in Copenhagen to discuss climate change. Increasing carbon dioxide levels, noise pollution and crackers are high on the agenda, we need to take a strict stand against the same. Australia, New Zealand and America are very stringent. If we take small measures like plan our festivals with a higher level of environment consciousness, we can impart better learning about the festivals to our children.
—Swati Popat Vats, educationist and author

Existing laws are hardly enforced
I'm not in favour extending the 10 pm deadline for firecrackers till midnight. I'm not happy with the system wherein laws are made but hardly implemented. The same thing happened with Noise Rules, 2000. Hardly anyone realises the impact of noise on fellow creatures. Loud noise emitted by firecrackers instils fear in birds and they keep flying continuously in the sky. This dehydrates them. This happened during November 26 attacks, a large number of birds didn't die due to bullet wounds, but due to fatigue. Same thing happens with animals on the ground, they continue to run for cover in fear. We should realise that other living creatures are losing their lives due to noise pollution.
—Col JC Khanna, secretary, Bombay Society for the Prevention of the Cruelty to Animals

Let people enjoy, don’t regulate festivals
I’m in favour of the decision to extend the deadline. Yes I think we need those extra hours to enjoy our festivals. Greater ecological damage happens due to vehicular emissions, why can’t they check that? Why do they need to regulate our festivals? Let’s not target festivals, which are an integral part of our culture and traditions. But don’t let individuals misuse the stipulation for private parties. However one has to be alert and on the rest of the days make sure that celebration must be held within the permitted of decibel level. Noise and air pollution is also a concern and cannot be ignored.  
—Marina Almeida

Fortnight of joy and celebration is okay
Festivals in India are associated with crackers, food and lights. Even during weddings or parties many don’t stick to deadlines and celebrations go on till late night. I don’t think it’s right to make a big noise about the decision to extend the deadline till midnight. A fortnight in a year seems very reasonable, as there are so many festivals that we celebrate here. Playing music till late night or bursting crackers on a few days shouldn’t make a big difference. The activists have a problem with this decision but one should also realise that even during the festival, there needs to be a check on the bursting of crackers.  
—Bhavna Manral

Extending deadline will spell doom
I’m against firecrackers during festivals. I don’t burst them during any celebration since they emit noise and cause pollution. But in keeping with the norms of culture and traditions, people love to burst crackers during celebrations. Nevertheless, people shouldn’t let their sentiments harm the environment. I don’t think we needed such amendments, instead the Union ministry of environment and forests should have made amendments stating that people can burst crackers only during restricted hours. For example, during the auspicious time of offering pooja, during festivals which stretches for a few hours. 
—Jennifer Balsara

Little policing and no awareness about laws
I don’t think extending the deadline till midnight will be an issue. This is because anyways we don’t adhere to these deadlines. There are few places, where we see the policemen deployed and where residents actually stick to deadlines. Festivals are an excuse to continue revelry till late night.  I’m sure that this exemption will be used by those organising private functions as well. During the marriage season, I have observed people bursting crackers till early morning. People have developed a ‘damn-all’ attitude and no one even bothers to complain. Ideally we need strict laws, but it’s important that these rules be followed.  
—Sadiq Khan