Puja Season Pollution Prevention Meeting: Call for Action to Build a Pollution-Free Tripura
Agartala 26 September, 2024: In an effort to prevent noise, water, and air pollution during the upcoming Puja season, a crucial exchange of views took place today at the Sukanta Academy Auditorium in Agartala. The event was jointly organized by the Tripura State Pollution Control Board and the Tripura EISCP Hub, bringing together Puja organizers, clubs, and various NGOs. The primary objective of the meeting was to raise awareness about controlling pollution and limiting the use of single-use plastics during the festival.
Addressing the gathering, Minister for Science, Technology, and Environment, Animesh Debbarma, emphasized the importance of noise control. “Just as sound is necessary, it is equally important to keep it within acceptable limits. Excessive noise can cause health issues, even though music brings joy to our festive days,” he said. He further urged everyone to step forward and contribute to building a pollution-free Tripura.
Key dignitaries at the meeting included Dr. K. Sashikumar, Secretary of the Science, Technology, and Environment Department and Chairman of the Tripura State Pollution Control Board, and Dr. Vishal Kumar, District Magistrate of West Tripura. Special guests present were Mahendra Singh, Director of the Science, Technology, and Environment Department, and Additional Superintendent of Police Dhruva Nath. Dr. Bishu Karmakar, Member Secretary of the Pollution Control Board, presented an insightful PowerPoint, detailing the state’s pollution control regulations concerning idol immersion and pandal construction.
Dr. Vishal Kumar stressed the need to avoid unnecessary noise pollution during the Puja days, while also acknowledging the livelihoods tied to businesses like sound systems and DJ sets. He assured that such businesses would not be banned but would operate under strict guidelines to ensure controlled usage.
Tripura Police, represented by ASP Dhruva Nath, committed to organizing awareness programs and enforcing mandatory sound limiters on all sound systems. The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Mahendra Singh, Director of the Science, Technology, and Environment Department.
