This Diwali, save a prayer for the Capital’s canine breed. Experts have said the booming noise from crackers make dogs go crazy; they drool and snap, and some even die of heart failure.
There are many ways one can help them. Veterinary doctor Prabhakaran P has said nothing is more assuring than the owner’s presence nearby. He also advocates a new product in the market — the solution DAP or the dog appeasing pheromone. This comes in vials that can be fitted into a mosquito repellant machine for dispersal. The chemical signal it gives out, particularly in a closed room, calms dogs. The DAP mimics the pheromone or the signal of a mother dog, almost to create an illusion of her presence.
Dr Prabhakaran P said: “This product works in most instances. So does mild medicines like Avil or Avomine. With the noise so high, dogs lose appetite, vomit or go into severe shock.”
The worst hit are strays. Proprietor of the dog shelter Friendicoes, Geeta Seshamani, said: “Terrified dogs on Diwali often howl, drool and appear to be besides themselves with fear. We have picked up stray dogs that have died from heart attack on the day. Moreover, the dogs appear like they have gone mad and consequently people pelt them with stones.”
The solution: keep down noise levels. “As per a Supreme Court order, noisy crackers are only allowed till 10 pm. Crackers which produce 125 decibels of sound or above are totally banned,” said a senior official from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
For the first time this year, the CPCB will be tracing sources of pollution. “Till now, we have only analysed the noise and air quality levels on Diwali. This year, CPCB will study the particulate matter to trace where it comes from. What makes Diwali polluted? We will trace the pollutant to see if it comes from crackers, or dust, or thermal power stations,” an official said.
The largest allocation of manpower for one day has also been made. A team comprising 60 people will be on duty on Saturday to monitor decibel levels, air pollution, volatile organic compounds in the air, and sources of pollution.
Last year was one of the cleanest Delhi has seen. Sulphur dioxide concentration on Diwali decreased at all locations as compared to Diwali in 2007 ¬— concentration of the gas ranged between seven and 24 micrograms per cubic metre (mg/m3) compared to eight and 113 mg/m3 the year before. Noise levels were also low, in the range of 65 to 85 decibels.
