Despite efforts from numerous non-governmental organisations (NGOs), schools as well as environment-friendly organisations, Diwali celebrations in the city were noisier this year as compared to last year.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) monitored noise levels at 15 spots in the city from October 26 to 28. Shivajinagar’s Model College area recorded the highest noise at 105.8 decibels (Db), a sharp rise in comparison to 71Db recorded on Laxmipujan day at same spot last year.
Nitin Shinde, field officer of MPCB, agreed that daytime noise levels had gone up by 15% across the city.
“We expected lower levels. One factor for the rise could be that certain spots were changed or made specific — which means that if certain points have higher traffic flow, even that could contribute to increase in noise levels.
“Aundh’s Parihar Chowk has the second-highest noise levels at 84.8 Db, but it is also one of busiest traffic junctions,” he explained.
While daytime noise levels have been high, night-time noise levels dropped by 5%. “It is a good sign as traffic is low at night and these levels are indicative of firecrackers,” added Shinde.
The Supreme Court has capped noise levels in residential areas at 55 Db in the day (6am to 10pm) and 45 Db at night (10pm to 6am).
Shivajinagar and Aundh topped the list on Laxmi puja day, Khadki Bazaar came next (81 Db), followed by Laxmi Road (78.4 Db). Tathawade Udyan on Karve Road recorded the lowest levels (59.2 Db), followed by Koregaon Park (60.3 Db).
