Editor,
Through your esteemed daily, I would like to highlight a few issues concerning the recent events in Shillong.
The office of the Deputy Commissioner, East Khasi Hills District has permitted the bursting of firecrackers on 25th October, 2022 till 10 pm in the city of Shillong. It could be understood that it was done in good faith as the Diwali festival was spoiled by heavy rains on the previous day.
I could not understand why the bursting of firecrackers which may have been beyond the permissible limit of decibels was allowed to carry on beyond 10 pm on that day and it continued till 27th October, 2022. The areas that were most affected in this case are Jhalupara, Garikhana, Mawprem, Laban and other adjoining areas. The situation took a worse turn by permitting a live music show in the Jhalupara area beyond 10 pm on one of those days.
Now my question is whether the competent authorities permitted the use of firecrackers beyond 10 pm or were they just enjoying the sky lit by firecrackers while other citizens were being greatly disturbed by such nuisance? Or are those areas not under the purview of the district administration that such incidents are not effectively dealt with? Or does the district administration rise from its slumber only when rallies are held in the city?
