Mumbai: MPCB and NGO test firecrackers for compliance with noise standards ahead of Diwali

Sumaira Abdulali says no noise rule violations were found this year compared to initial years when they started testing firecrackers

With Diwali round the corner, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and NGO Awaaz Foundation tested firecrackers for compliance with noise standards at the RCF ground in Chembur on Thursday evening. Around 16 types of firecrackers - available in the local markets - were tested and the noise levels were found to be within the permissible limits.

"In 2020, amid the fear of the second wave of COVID-19, firecrackers were banned by the BMC. In 2021, of the 30 types of crackers, we tested two that violated permissible noise limits, a huge reduction from previous years. Many of the green crackers did not have high percentages of chemical content. This year the noise levels were found to be within permissible limits for all 16 types of firecrackers that we tested. The chemical content of the batches we tested, needs further investigation to check for safety levels," said Sumaira Abdulali, founder and convenor of Awaaz Foundation.

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and NGO Awaaz Foundation test firecrackers for compliance with noise standards at Chembur. Pics/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

MPCB and Awaaz Foundation will release the analysis report of chemical ingredients/ content mentioned on the packaging as against what it actually contains on Friday. However, the levels of air pollution caused as a result of setting them off will continue to be high as there are no parameters to keep this under check. The noise standards for firecrackers - notified by the Environment (Protection) Rules, 2006 - state that the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 decibels at 4 metres distance from the point of bursting are prohibited. The hazardous chemicals from bursting firecrackers and even noise might make the effects of COVID-19 more harmful.

Also Read: Mumbai: Another event, another level of noise pollution

Awaaz Foundation and the MPCB have tested firecracker noise levels jointly since 2008. In the early years, 100% crackers exceeded the maximum permissible noise levels. In 2010, the maximum level was 130.6dB (A), well beyond the World Health Organisation's safe exposure limit and the legally permissible limit of 125dB (A).

Noise levels have reduced

In the years since then, due to the data made available to the public, government agencies and courts from the testing, noise levels have gradually reduced. In 2020, the government allowed only green crackers' to be used after an order from the National Green Tribunal. Green crackers were developed by NEERI to reduce air and noise pollution and carry its stamp of approval.

In November 2020, Awaaz Foundation tested commonly available crackers in a private laboratory and compared the chemical composition with entries listed in Schedule I ‘List of Hazardous and Toxic Chemicals' of Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules 1989.

Abdulali then wrote to former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray claiming the effects of these crackers will be even more dangerous amid the COVID -19 outbreak given the air pollution and negative effects they cause on respiratory health.

'No noise rule violations'

Abdulali said, "It's a good thing that no noise rule violations were found this year as compared to initial years when we started testing fire crackers. Then we had 100 per cent violations - high noise levels and harmful/ banned chemicals. For the first time since we started testing in 2008, all crackers have fallen within the permissible decibel limit of 120. The maximum was 114 from a series of 10,000 crackers."