Mumbai: Inspection finds cracker samples not exceeding permissible noise limit

Mumbai: Inspection finds cracker samples not exceeding permissible noise limitOn Tuesday, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Awaaz Foundation, a non-government orgnaisation, conducted their annual pre-Diwali exercise at Chembur’s Royal Chemical Fertiliser (RCF) Colony.
Written by Rohit Alok | Mumbai | Published:October 19, 2016 2:10 am

As many as 26 types of firecrackers were tested in an open ground, and noise levels recorded five metres from the point. (Photo for representational purpose)


An annual pre-Diwali inspection on firecrackers in the city found that none of the samples in the ‘single firecracker’ category exceeded permissible noise levels upon going off. This is the first time in almost a decade that no violation has been found in noise pollution rules during an inspection on firecrackers.
On Tuesday, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Awaaz Foundation, a non-government orgnaisation, conducted their annual pre-Diwali exercise at Chembur’s Royal Chemical Fertiliser (RCF) Colony.
As many as 26 types of firecrackers were tested in an open ground, and noise levels recorded five metres from the point.
“After 10 years of conducting these tests, we have found that no noise violation was breached in the single firecracker category. We were specifically targeting the rassi bombs and the highest noise level recorded was at 99 decibels,” said Sumaira Abdulali, convener, Awaaz Foundation. The permissible limits for serial firecrackers range between 90 dB and 110 dB, an official said.
“Ever year, the levels have exceeded 125 decibel limit, but there has been a drastic change in this year’s tests,” Abdulali added.
Officials attributed the dip in noise levels to awareness and enforcement. “Through awareness of the hazards of these firecrackers, there is a change in the buyers’ demands moving from higher decible firecrackers to light-based crackers. Several shopkeepers have even told us. The police have confiscated several rassi bombs over the years,” Abdulali added.
The results of the serial firecrackers are expected on Wednesday.