In a surprising turn of events, a complaint has been filed against the bursting of firecrackers during the Diwali event organized by Raj Thackeray and Uddhav Thackeray at Mumbai’s iconic Shivaji Park. The event, which was intended to celebrate the festival of lights in grand style, has now sparked controversy over alleged violations of noise pollution norms and environmental concerns.
The complaint, lodged by a local resident and environmental activist, claims that the event flouted the Supreme Court’s guidelines on firecracker usage, which strictly regulate the time and decibel levels of crackers. According to the petitioner, the noise levels during the event far exceeded permissible limits, causing distress to residents, particularly the elderly, children, and pets. Additionally, the bursting of firecrackers in such large quantities has raised concerns about air pollution in a city already grappling with poor air quality.
The Event: A Grand Celebration or a Public Nuisance?
The Diwali event at Shivaji Park was a much-anticipated affair, drawing thousands of supporters and well-wishers of the Thackeray family. Organized jointly by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray and Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, the celebration was seen as a symbolic show of unity between the two factions of the Thackeray family, who have had a strained relationship in recent years.
The event featured traditional Diwali rituals, cultural performances, and a grand display of firecrackers. While the organizers emphasized the cultural and social significance of the celebration, critics argue that the excessive use of firecrackers was unnecessary and irresponsible, especially in light of growing concerns about environmental degradation.
Environmental and Legal Implications
The complaint has reignited the debate over the use of firecrackers during Diwali, a festival that is often associated with noise and air pollution. In recent years, there has been a growing push for eco-friendly celebrations, with many citizens opting for green Diwali practices such as lighting diyas and avoiding firecrackers.
The Supreme Court’s guidelines on firecrackers, issued in 2018, restrict the use of loud firecrackers to a two-hour window (8 PM to 10 PM) during festivals and mandate the use of “green crackers” that emit less noise and pollutants. The petitioner alleges that the event at Shivaji Park violated these norms, as firecrackers were burst well beyond the stipulated time and included high-decibel varieties.
Environmental activists have also pointed out that the event’s timing is particularly concerning, given Mumbai’s deteriorating air quality. The city has been experiencing higher-than-normal levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) in recent weeks, and the widespread use of firecrackers during Diwali only exacerbates the problem.
Political Undercurrents
While the complaint is centered on environmental and legal issues, it has also taken on a political dimension. The Thackeray family, a prominent political force in Maharashtra, has often been at the center of public scrutiny. Critics have accused the organizers of prioritizing spectacle over public welfare, while supporters argue that the event was a celebration of tradition and culture.
Raj Thackeray, known for his fiery rhetoric and public displays, has yet to comment on the complaint. Uddhav Thackeray, on the other hand, has emphasized the importance of balancing tradition with environmental responsibility but has not directly addressed the allegations.
Public Reaction
The complaint has divided public opinion. While some residents have expressed frustration over the noise and pollution caused by the event, others have defended the celebration as a cherished Diwali tradition. Social media has been abuzz with debates, with hashtags like #GreenDiwali and #ShivajiParkFirecrackers trending on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
What’s Next?
The Mumbai Police and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) are expected to investigate the complaint. If found guilty of violating noise pollution norms, the organizers could face penalties, including fines and restrictions on future events.
As the controversy unfolds, it raises important questions about the balance between cultural traditions and environmental responsibility. While Diwali is a time for celebration, it is also an opportunity to reflect on the impact of our actions on the planet and the communities we live in.
For now, the Thackeray family’s grand Diwali celebration at Shivaji Park has left behind not just the glow of firecrackers but also a trail of questions and concerns that demand answers.
