Noise pollution largely under control during Diwali in Bengal CM Suvendu

    Kolkata, Nov 9 (PTI) West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Monday said noise pollution was largely under control during this year’s Diwali celebrations in the state, saying the administration had taken necessary steps to enforce the Supreme Court’s guidelines.

    Responding to criticism over firecrackers being burst beyond the permissible time limit, Adhikari alleged that the complaints were being raised by communists.

    "Some green firecrackers might have been burst after 10 pm, but police took action against those responsible," he said, adding that the administration had acted promptly in dealing with fire incidents at three to four places.

    Speaking to reporters in Digha in Purba Medinipur district, the chief minister said people should be allowed to celebrate Diwali by bursting green firecrackers.

    "People will celebrate Diwali and burst green crackers. Why should that be such a problem? Where is the harm?" he asked.

    Alleging that some people were uncomfortable with what he described as a "resurgence of Sanatan traditions", Adhikari accused his Left critics of reducing Hindu religious festivals to mere cultural events while distancing themselves from religious practices.

    He also said the government deserved appreciation for ensuring that DJ music was largely absent from the streets during the celebrations.

    "I did not hear any DJ music on the roadsides," he said.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)