NN Online:
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has announced that it will carry out mobile court drives across the country, including in Dhaka, to curb the use of fireworks, crackers, and sky lanterns during New Year’s celebrations.
Fireworks and crackers cause noise and air pollution. Excessive noise pollution increases the risks of heart disease, stroke, and mental stress and sky lanterns can cause fires and harm biodiversity, reads a ministry’s press release.
Under the Noise Pollution (Control) Rules, 2006, these activities are punishable offenses and violators may face up to 1 month of imprisonment, a fine of up to Tk 5,000, or both for the first offense.
Repeated offenses may result in up to 6 months of imprisonment and a fine of up to Tk 10,000 or both.
Letters have been sent to clubs in Dhaka and relevant organisations requesting restraint from using fireworks, crackers, and sky lanterns during New Year celebrations.
It urged all to avoid these harmful activities in the public interest. The ministry on Friday urged all to refrain from fireworks and firecrackers use during the 31st night celebration across the country.
Seeking cooperation from all, the ministry said the use of fireworks and firecrackers is harmful and unlawful. Referring to a media report, the release reads a child died after suffering from heart disease, frightened by the loud noise of fireworks during New Year celebrations.
Moreover, excessive noise can lead to numerous health issues, including hearing and memory loss, sleep disturbances, anxiety, aggression, high blood pressure, tinnitus, dizziness, increased risk of heart disease, mental instability, stroke, and heart attacks.
Center for Atmospheric Pollution Studies (CAPS), a research organisation, on Friday demanded fireworks-free New Year’s Eve celebrations, highlighting the severe impact of fireworks and sky lanterns on the environment, ecology and public health.
According to a CAPS study, the air pollution levels rose by approximately 36 per cent in Dhaka, while noise pollution increased by 102 per cent in the following hour after midnight on New Year’s Eve compared to the previous hour (11pm-12am on December 31, 2023).
