Mumbaikars proved false that noise pollution will reduce this Diwali due to restrictions on firecrackers, air pollution and court orders. On the day of Lakshmi Puja, the noise pollution level increased from last year.
The highest noise levels in the city were recorded in the Marine Drive and Shivaji Park areas. The level of air pollution in the city, which had reduced somewhat before Diwali, has also increased due to firecrackers.
Noise level is recorded in different parts of the city on all the four days of Diwali by 'Awaaz Foundation'. A few days ago, there was confusion about the bursting of firecrackers as the High Court had restricted the timing of bursting of firecrackers. But this year, on the very first day of Diwali in the evening, Mumbaikars defied court orders and set off firecrackers.
Meanwhile, since Narak Chaturdashi and Lakshmi Pujan fell on the same day this year, the number of firecrackers was also seen to be highest in the morning. This year, 82 to 117 decibels of noise was recorded in the Marine Drive area on the day of Lakshmi Puja from 9:00 pm to 11:25 pm.
Shivaji Park area recorded 95 decibels till 11:45 am, while Carter Road recorded 72-85 decibels. Meanwhile, to prevent air pollution, bursting of firecrackers is allowed between 8:00 pm and 10:00 pm as per the court order.
However, the highest noise level was recorded at Marine Drive at 9:55 pm when serial bombs and loud aerial bombs were detonated, said Sumaira Abdulali of the Awaaz Foundation. After 10 pm at Marine Drive, the police started shutting down firecrackers and detained citizens who did not follow the rules.
Compared to last year, the amount of noise pollution has increased this year. Earlier, the highest noise level of 109.1 decibels was recorded at Marine Drive during Diwali 2022, while the highest noise level was recorded at 100.4 decibels at Shivaji Park during Diwali 2021.
Increase in the number of sky firecrackers
Although the noise level of Diwali firecrackers has been low for the past few years, the volume of firecrackers bursting in the sky has increased. Although their noise is not predictable from the ground, it disturbs the citizens living on the upper floors. Due to these fireworks there is a huge increase in air pollution.
Meanwhile, although it is mandatory to print the noise level limit on the boxes of firecrackers, the manufacturing companies are avoiding it.
Share
Tweet
