Shivaji Park sees quietest Diwali in years as firecrackers, noise and pollution drop, residents say

Residents of Shivaji Park say the area saw its quietest Diwali in years. Fewer firecrackers were burst during the festival week, and air and noise pollution fell visibly. The week ended on Wednesday with Bhai Dooj.

According to residents, the BMC put up boards warning of a silence zone around the park following a directive from the Bombay High Court. This was the first time this had happened in the area. Residents also said police took action against violators on most days of the festival week, which kept firecrackers in check.

However, residents say the action was not proactive at first. Matters improved only after repeated intervention by local people and the Shivaji Maharaj Park Advanced Locality Management (ALM).

ALM secretary Vaibhav Rege said, "Residents and the Shivaji Maharaj Park ALM met officials and followed up repeatedly, and only then was there positive action." He added, "On Diwali day, people were bursting crackers in front of policemen. We lodged a strong protest at the police station, after which police action was clearly visible in the following days."

Residents have asked the administration to maintain the same strictness during upcoming festivals, including Chhath Puja and New Year's Eve.

Seema Khot (52) said, "Keeping just the park free of firecrackers this year made a big difference. Air and noise pollution were much lower. The park usually sees a big crowd and firecrackers on Bhai Dooj, but nothing like that happened this time."

Nishant Gala (48) said, "This is the first Diwali week in about six years when residents felt everything was normal again. There was less noise, and clouds of toxic smoke did not envelop the area. Crackers were burst on Diwali day, but when we reminded the police firmly the next day, the action improved. We felt what Diwali at Shivaji Park is like without disruption from outsiders."

Madhukar Prabhu (75) said, "Diwali day was much as before until about 9.30 pm. Then we called the police and the crackers stopped. Since then the park has stayed free of firecrackers. That was not the case for more than five years. Firecrackers made Diwali difficult for children, pets and stray animals. This year there was relief, and residents with health problems did not have to go to hospital as they did in previous years."

Rege (49) said, "This year's Diwali was not like previous years. Air and noise pollution at Shivaji Park did not reach the extreme levels seen for about a decade. The stray cats I feed were also better off, though my pet cat stayed frightened. Residents want the administration to continue this action during upcoming festivals, including Chhath Puja and New Year's Eve."