Diwali Dhamaka: Noise pollution across India on rise

Bangalore, Nov 13: It is high time for Indians to cut down on bursting crackers during

festivities to keep

level at bay. Experts say that noise pollution level during Diwali across India has increased astronomically over past few years. Survey reports suggest that noise pollution has been on consistent rise reaching to levels enough to deafen a person of any age group.

Diwali is being celebrated throughout India today. But rise in level of noise pollution due to bursting of crackers has caused great concern among all.

In many cities, several localities witnessed bursting of crackers from morning onwards. Bangalore was no different. Revellers started celebrating Diwali from wee hours of morning by bursting high decibel fire-crackers.

According to Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), during 2011 Diwali celebrations, the noise pollution figures went up by 38% from any normal day (from 59.3 to 75.8 decibels). Officials of KSPCB predict that this year too, the city would witness same or more noise pollution.

The cracking sounds during Diwali celebrations last year exceeded the permitted level by 90% in the Jaipur. A study of the past four years by Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board indicates that noise pollution has been on consistent rise.

To check sales of high intensity firecrackers in New Delhi and Noida on Diwali, the pollution control board conducted random checks by surveillance squads in city markets. The teams conducted raids to check sale of crackers having potential to create noise intensities beyond 125 decibels outside a 4m radius of blasting points.

However, due to efforts by NGOs, Mumbai experienced relatively calmer Diwali. Reports say Maximum city has been recording relatively noise-free Diwalis for the past two years.

Firecracker retailers say there has been a significant shift from noise-based crackers to light-based ones. The demand for crackers in general has slumped by 30 per cent thanks to enhanced awareness of their ill effects.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan also spread the green word by sending out a personalised Diwali message to avoid cracker pollution.

OneIndia News