Date:10/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/10/stories/2007111055531204.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Deepavali festivities

This refers to the report that the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has launched an awareness campaign to promote a Deepavali free of noise and air pollution. It said that creating noise above 125 decibels was against the law and that the people were encouraged to complain about violations. Whether the layman can understand what 125 decibels mean and whether he will spoil his relations with his neighbours by complaining are moot questions.

But it must be said that in the good old days, when there were independent houses with compounds, fire crackers did not pose problems of noise or air pollution.

They pose a dangerous hazard today because of the cluster of buildings. Legislation and their enforcement are difficult, though not impossible, in matters relating to traditions. The focus, therefore, should be on constant persuasion.

N. Vembu,

Chennai

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Traditionally, Hindus in Tamil Nadu have fired crackers by 4 a.m. as part of their Deepavali celebrations. I am no longer able to do so, thanks to the restrictions on firing crackers before 6 a.m.

Will the police and environmental authorities show the same vigour in preventing politicians from firing crackers that produce a lot of noise during their functions and rallies? Can they restrict people bursting crackers during occasions other than Deepavali?

B. Murthy,

Chennai