Diwali: Crackers violating decibel limits at a 2-yr low

The number of noisy firecrackers violating decibel limits has hit a two-year low, results of the joint firecracker tests conducted on Thursday show.

Conducted by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the Mumbai police and NGO Awaaz Foundation, 32 different type of firecrackers manufactured by 15 prominent brands were tested for their decibel levels at the Carter Road amphitheatre. Of these, only five were found exceeding the noise limits prescribed in the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986. Most of the firecrackers found violating these limits belong to the category of bombs.

MPCB joint director PK Mirashe said, “Only around 25% of the crackers tested were found exceeding the prescribed limits. This is due to the rising awareness in the city about the hazards of bursting crackers.” He added that Mumbai fares better than Nagpur and Pune, where similar tests found 100% and nearly 50% firecrackers, respectively, violating decibel limits.

Since the last tests conducted in 2010, Mumbai has registered a drop in the number of crackers violating decibel limits. In 2006, 13 firecrackers were found violating rules, five in 2008 and in 2010, eight.

With rising concerns about firecracker-induced  noise pollution, the tests were carried  out to verify if those manufactured by major brands adhere to the limits. Dissatisfied with the results, Awaaz Foundation convenor Sumaira Abdulali said the tests carried out by the petroleum and explosives safety organisation in 2011-2012 have shown nearly all crackers violating decibel limits.