Crackers going off all day in some areas

As you read this, whatever the time, you probably hear loud crackers going off on your street. The Supreme Court says crackers can be burst only between 8 and 10 pm, but many people in Bengaluru are flouting its order.

Though some areas like Jayanagar and Basavangudi saw a relatively quiet Deepavali on Tuesday and Wednesday, Malleswaram, Indiranagar, New Thippasandra, HRBR Layout and Maruthi Seva Nagar, bursting of crackers began as early as 7 am and continued till 1 am.

Sonia Sarathy, resident of Indiranagar and a mother of twins, says, “We live on the fourth floor, but the noise of the crackers is still heard loud and clear. My children are just two years and eight months old and it has been a difficult time for them.”

A playground is located right behind her apartment, and she says “people were going berserk with crackers.” “I have three rescued dogs and they had a tough time too. For six to eight hours we couldn’t take them out to do their business, and they were scared the whole night. I am dreading the next two days of Deepavali,” she told Metrolife.

Police position

What can citizens do if their neighbours are bursting crackers even after 10 pm? Seemanth Kumar Singh, Additional Commissioner of Police (East zone) says, “Dial 100 and Hoysalas will take care of the rest.”

“We have had several meetings with various police departments and they are sensitising people about the new rule. Since this is the first time, many people are not aware,” he says.

He also concedes the media have done enough to publicise the restrictions. “If there are still people who are violating this rule, we will take strict action,” he told Metrolife.

Cracker noise has come down since last year, he says, and suggests “control at the manufacturing level so that high decibel crackers don’t come into the market.” He says it is a social problem and people must consciously make an effort to cut down on bursting crackers.

Nightmare for birds and animals

Dr Pawan Kumar, veterinary surgeon at Cessna Lifeline Veterinary Hospital, Domlur, says the noise impacts animals badly, irrespective of whether they are inside or outside the house.

“Animals get really scared,” he told Metrolife. Pets isolate themselves by going under the cot and cupboard and refuse to come out. The loud noise affects their appetite and urination. They go through extreme psychological stress and stop eating and even drinking water, which leads to dehydration and weakness, he says. Accidents are common. “Pets run out of the house and meet with accidents. We have had many cases, particularly at night, of cats falling from high buildings and being brought in,” he says. Scared birds flying out in fear are often hit by rockets. “Stray dogs are in the worst situation,” Dr Pawan Kumar says.

Call 100

If you find people bursting crackers before or after the designated 8 to 10 pm, call 100 and the Hoysala vans will come to your help, a senior police officer told Metrolife.