​Mumbai’s Wadala was least noisy area in India during Diwali
The CPCB recorded average decibel levels, which is calculated after recording the minimum (Lmin) and maximum noise levels
MUMBAI Updated: Oct 27, 2017 10:15 IST
 
Badri Chatterjee
Hindustan Times

The minimum sound level recorded across India on Diwali during the day and night was at the station located near Acworth Hospital, opposite Karve Garden, Wadala(HT photo for representation)
   
           
Although the city celebrated a quieter Diwali in comparison to other metropolises in the country, three noise monitoring stations at Bandra, Navi Mumbai, and Churchgate , recorded the highest noise levels during the festival. This was revealed in the latest report tabled by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
On the other hand, the minimum sound level recorded across India on Diwali during the day and night was at the station located near Acworth Hospital, opposite Karve Garden, Wadala that saw a 59% drop in noise levels from 2016. Noise levels during the day were recorded at 42 dB (sound of a library), and during the night was 44dB (bird calls).
The CPCB recorded average decibel (dB Leq) levels, which is calculated after recording the minimum (Lmin) and maximum (Lmax) noise levels. The noise monitoring station at Government Polytechnic, Kherwadi, along the Western Express Highway, Bandra (East), recorded the highest noise levels in the city at 73 decibel (dB) during the day and 72 dB at night, which is as loud as a vacuum cleaner. The area near Fortis Hiranandani Hospital in Navi Mumbai, recorded noise levels at 70 dB during the day (as loud as a radio or television audio), and 63 dB during the night (the sound of conversation in a restaurant). The area around Ambassador Hotel, VN Road, opposite Barabourne Stadium in Churchgate recorded 70 dB during the day and 69 dB during the night (air conditioning unit at 100 feet).
“We have seen a significant decline in noise levels over the years in Mumbai, especially during festivals such as Diwali. The credit goes to the citizens, as they have understood the health hazards of environmental issues such as noise and air pollution, and are actively participating to curtail them,” said D Saha, additional director, CPCB. “The city has set an example for all other metros for future festivals.”
HT had reported on October 22 that anti-noise campaigners from Awaaz Foundation had found that noise levels were much higher this Diwali than last year with the maximum decibel level at 117.8dB, almost as loud as a thunderclap, at Marine Drive at 11.30pm. Last year, noise levels were at 113.5dB. However, in 2013 and 2015, levels were as high as 124dB and 123.1dB.
“Although maximum readings recorded by me were higher on Diwali day, the general use of firecrackers has led to significant decline in peak noise levels. Mumbaiites have made the fight against noise a public movement. What is now missing is the political will,” said Sumaira Abdulali, convener, Awaaz Foundation.
As per the CPCB report, of the 10 monitoring stations in Mumbai, Andheri (station located atop Bisleri Pvt Ltd building, BD Sawant Marg), Powai (station – atop L&T building along Saki Vihar Road) and Kandivli (Mahindra building along Akruli Road), all met noise standards for industrial zones. The report also found that three Bandra, Navi Mumbai and Powai stations showed an increasing trend during Diwali this year as compared to 2015 and 2016.
The CPCB recorded ambient noise levels across 70 locations in seven cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Hyderabad) during Diwali. Officials said the Mumbai was one of the quietest cities owing to awareness among citizens for environmental concerns as opposed to cities like Hyderabad (noisiest in India), Bengaluru, Chennai and Lucknow where high noise levels were recorded during the festival. In February 2016, a CPCB analysis found Mumbai to be the noisiest city in India after a series of regular ambient noise monitoring from 2011 to 2014.