With Diwali just a few days away, the state government is resolving to ensure foolproof implementation of the ban on Chinese firecrackers. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) is mulling to have the state government implement the ban on Chinese firecrackers for which it is going to conduct decibel test of firecrackers including Chinese ones.
According to MPCB officials, after the test is completed it will send its recommendation to the state explosive department in Nagpur including the state environment department suggesting ways to curb menace of noise and air pollution because of firecrackers. “We will conduct the decibel test at RCF ground, Chembur in the first or second week of October where around 30 to 35 types of crackers from different manufacturers would be tested. There are chances that the air pollution caused by bursting crackers would remain high as there are no parameters to keep a check on them. We are specifically looking at Chinese firecrackers that have noise levels higher than 125 decibels,” a MPCB official said.
He added that though the Centre had banned the Chinese firecrackers in the country the state can have a different Act to ensure that the loopholes in the Centre’s Act are done away with.
“We are just the technical department. Our main objective of conducting the tests is public awareness. We further send our recommendation to the state government who have to Act on the same,” added the MPCB official.
The Environment Protection Rules, 2006 states that the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 decibels at 4 metres from the point of bursting is prohibited.
“Chinese firecrackers are very unsafe and cause more noise and air pollution. We have enough instances to prove that Chinese firecrackers have detrimental effects on people’s health,” added the MPCB official.
