A group of doctors and an organisation that works for the conservation of nature have appealed to people to abstain from using all kinds of crackers during Diwali and Kali Puja celebrations.

On October 27, the local branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) and the Himalayan Nature & Adventure Foundation (HNAF) will jointly organise a rally in Siliguri to apprise people of the consequences of using crackers, especially ones which produce sound and air pollution.

Animesh Bose, the programme coordinator of HNAF and the vice-president of Sabuj Mancha, an apex body of different organisations in Bengal, said it was often said that “green crackers” were safe.

However, no parameters are followed to identify such crackers. He urged people to refrain from using high-pitched sound systems and loudhailers (popularly called DJs).

“It is often found that the QR code marked on the packets of firecrackers are fake. These crackers pollute the environment and are hazardous for senior citizens and pets. That is why we are requesting the residents to abstain from using all sorts of crackers and celebrate the festival with lights. We would also request the administration to stop people from using high-pitch sound systems which also creates sound pollution,” said Bose.

Dipnarayan Talukder, the secretary of HNAF, said they would jointly organise an anti-cracker rally with the IMA on Sunday.

“Through the rally, we will impart the message against the use of crackers. We also want people in general to join the rally,” he said.

Sankha Sen, the secretary of the Siliguri branch of the IMA, said: “We should celebrate the upcoming festivals, right from Diwali to New Year's Eve, with lights and not crackers.”

In the neighbouring Sikkim, the state pollution control board on Friday appealed to people not to use crackers of any kind.

“Along with the crackers, people should also abstain from using single-use plastic products, including decorative items during Diwali. This is necessary for conservation of the environment and to curb pollution,” said a source.

Mayor's meeting

Siliguri mayor Gautam Deb on Friday held a preparatory meeting with the organisers of Kali Puja and Chhat Puja at Dinabandhu Mancha here. Officials of Siliguri metropolitan police and some other state departments were present at the meeting.

Around 550 Kali Pujas will be organised within the jurisdiction of the Siliguri Metropolitan Police. The Chhat Puja organisers have been told to follow the directives of the National Green Tribunal concerning pollution in the Mahananda river, said sources.