A test has revealed that Mumbaikars will be in for a “noisy” Diwali this year. Around 30 firecrackers were used for the test, which was jointly conducted by the MPCB, city police and activist Sumaira Abdulali at Carter Road Amphit-heatre on Thursday.
“Crackers of various brands and types were checked for its decibel levels. Almost all the fire crackers exceeded the prescribed noise pollution limits of 125 decibels (dB),” Ms Abdulali said. A report on the same will be prepared in the coming
days. The test revealed that serial fire crackers crossed the permissible 125 dB. Similarly, rassi bombs also recorded higher noise levels. “We have been observing that rassi bombs are too loud and the companies manufacturing it are not working towards reducing the noise levels,” added Ms Abdulali.
According to her, it is too late for authorities to initiate effective action against the sale of rassi bombs and fire crackers, as majority of the stock has already been sold out. Even aerial fire crackers were put to test; on the ground, it recorded 115 dB. “If these aerial crackers burst above the ground, the sound levels increase tremendously,” Ms Abdulali said. According to Ms Abdulali, the MPCB and police will patrol areas during Diwali, to keep a check on the noise levels.