Noise levels take a beating this Diwali in Mumbai

Noise levels take a beating this Diwali in Mumbai

At 113.6 dB, Marine Drive recorded the highest decibel levels this year

Mumbaikars seemed to have made a genuine effort to keep noise pollution at check during the Diwali celebrations this year. A fresh survey by Awaaz Foundation, along with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board, shows that the noise levels generated from bursting firecrackers dropped from 123 dB in 2014 to 113.6 dB this year.

According to Awaaz Foundation, the drop in decibel levels indicates that people in the city are becoming more environmentally conscious. "There was a lot of awareness this year and it was clear that fewer firecrackers were used," said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of the Awaaz Foundation, adding, "The credit for this positive change goes to children. Mostly children use firecrackers, but, when they are made aware at schools about the ill-effects of its use, the situation is expected to change."

Other than awareness programmes and sensitising children, teaming up with manufacturers of firecrackers has also helped a lot this year. As per the data shared by Awaaz Foundation, crackers weren't used at all in Pali Hill and Carter Road, Bandra, and a few pockets of Khar and Santa Cruz. The highest decibel levels were recorded at Marine Drive, followed by Parel, Worli Naka and Worli Seaface. However, while decibel levels dropped considerably this year, the deadlines to burst firecrackers were violated to a great extent. "Enforcement of time limits was inadequate even at very prominent locations such as Marine Drive. The noisiest firecrackers were used after 10 pm, despite police presence. The highest decibel level was recorded at Marine Drive at around 11.15 pm."