Rising People's Party Raises Alarm Over Sonic Booms in Dimapur
The Rising People's Party (RPP) has issued a strong appeal to the Indian Army and Air Force, urging them to consider the severe, life-threatening impacts of sonic booms generated by jet fighters or potential controlled explosions of bombs and ammunition. This call to action follows a disturbing incident reported in Dimapur, where a sonic boom on January 28 rattled the town, causing significant concern among residents and healthcare facilities.
Health and Safety Concerns Amplified by Recent Incident
In a detailed statement, the RPP highlighted the immediate dangers posed by these sonic events. The January 28 sonic boom was particularly alarming as it shook a private hospital in Dimapur that was treating several critical patients. According to reports, the intense noise and vibrations allegedly triggered a massive cardiac arrest in one of the patients, underscoring the grave health risks associated with such occurrences. The party has called on defense authorities to provide clarity on this specific incident and implement measures to prevent similar events in the future.
Demands for Regulatory Action and Noise Level Compliance
The RPP has made several key demands to address this pressing issue:
- Request to State Government: The party has urged the Nagaland state government to engage with higher authorities to prohibit low-flying aircraft over Dimapur. This appeal is based on documented health hazards and the potential for structural damage to buildings caused by the powerful shockwaves of sonic booms.
- Involvement of Pollution Control Board: Additionally, the RPP has called upon the Nagaland Pollution Control Board to take formal note of the situation. They pointed out that permissible noise levels in Indian cities are capped at 75 decibels (dB) in industrial areas, whereas sonic booms typically range between 110 and 120 dB, far exceeding safe limits and contributing to noise pollution.
Historical Context and Psychological Impact
The statement from the RPP also delved into the historical pattern of sonic booms in Dimapur, noting that these events became a regular occurrence following the declaration by former interlocutor for Naga talks, RN Ravi, that the negotiations had concluded. While the party acknowledged that it cannot definitively establish whether this timing was a coincidence or an intimidatory tactic, it emphasized that the sonic booms have undeniably created a fear psychosis among the local population. This psychological impact adds another layer of urgency to the need for transparency and action from defense and governmental bodies.
The RPP's appeal underscores a growing concern for public safety and environmental health in Dimapur, calling for coordinated efforts to mitigate the risks associated with military operations in the region.
