60 animal-friendly hamlets vow to celebrate a decibel-free Deepavali

Not just one village, but 60 villages have come together and pledged their commitment to celebrate the festival without firing crackers in order to avoid disturbing wild animals in the forests. 

It may also be a ‘strict no’ to crackers for tourists in resorts located in forest areas of The Nilgiris, said S Ramasubramanian, Conservator of Forests, Coimbatore Circle. 

“I am happy that the tribal communities of all the 60 villages have respected our appeal and obliged to celebrate Deepavali sans crackers and turn it into an eco-friendly festival,” said Ramasubramanian.

Besides the 60 tribal villages that come under its direct control, the forest department has also made a fervent appeal to around 125 revenue villages located along forest boundaries to avoid crackers. 

“Definitely there is a considerable change in the mindset of people. The use of crackers in the villages abutting forest boundaries has come down considerably over the years due to better awareness. Still we did not want to take a chance and we have educated the heads of villages, who in turn, have spread the message to the people,” said the conservator. 

The forest department has also come out with pamphlets to be issued among villagers explaining the dos and don’ts for an eco-friendly Deepavali. Similarly, the forest department has issued circulars to around 200 resorts in Masinagudi in Nilgiris district to celebrate a calm Deepavali. 

“It is usual for tourists to gather up in resorts to celebrate the festival with crackers. However, the resort managements have been asked to dissuade this practice as it may disturb the wild animals in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve,” said Ramasubramanian.   

The official said those bursting crackers or lighting fireworks in reserve forest areas will be slapped with a fine. Special teams led by rangers will patrol around the areas to curb firing of crackers in jungles.  “Firecrackers cause tremendous disturbance to wild animals, which tend to live in a very healthy ambience. Birds are more prone to suffer from respiratory problems, particularly due to aerial shots that release obnoxious smoke. 

As the migratory season of birds is under way, there are chances for birds to die of shock due to the high decibel from aerial crackers,” said Asokan, forest veterinarian, Satyamangalam Tiger Reserve.