Sikkim Diwali noise-free - festival of lights

Crackers light up Kalimpong on Diwali on Wednesday night.
Picture by Chinlop Fudong Lepcha

Nirmal Mangar, TT, Gangtok, Nov. 12: Sikkim had a noise-free Diwali last night as people refrained from fireworks in line with a state government order that banned the production, sale and bursting of all crackers.

Citing pollution and environment-related concerns, the government issued a notification in December 2014, which said "manufacture, sale and bursting of any sound and light illuminating crackers in Sikkim is prohibited" .

The first festival of lights after the ban on the crackers was preceded by a high-pitched campaign for noise-free celebrations.

"The government's call for a noise-free Diwali was successful and followed by the people. We are really grateful to the people for not bursting crackers while celebrating Diwali. I would not say we did not hear the sound of crackers in far-flung areas but it was negligible as most of the people abided by the government order," Gangtok mayor Shakti Singh said today.

Elsewhere in the state also, police and administrative officials reported few cases of crackers being burst.

Naresh Sugar, a resident of Tadong, near here, said: "Two children were not happy that they could not burst crackers. But it is important that we teach them about the adverse impact of bursting crackers on the environment," he said.

The Gangtok Municipal Corporation had engaged voluntary organisations and even tourists to carry out a campaign to enforce the ban on crackers. Police kept strict vigil to check the entry of crackers into the Himalayan state.

A similar campaign was launched by the police in the rural areas also by involving the respective local bodies.

"We are happy that Sikkim said no to firecrackers. People were wondering as to how they could celebrate Diwali without crackers. But all stuck to the ban and the celebrations were noise-free," said social worker D.K. Lepcha.

Nisha Chettri, a trader at Kanchenjungha shopping complex in Gangtok, said she used to sell firecrackers every year and make a profit of around Rs 60,000.

"This year, I was upset that a ban was imposed on the sale of crackers. I sold decorative lights and other items such as diyas this year. Although the profit was less, I am happy that the government has taken a right step for the environment," she said.

A.K. Chettri, a resident of Gangtok, said: "There used to be a heap of garbage at MG Marg, the favourite tourist hangout, on the mornings after every Diwali. The picture was completely different today. The spot was clean."