Noise pollution drops, but rules go for a toss

This Diwali, noise pollution in the city saw a drop however Mumbaikars seemed to have turned a deaf ear to the 10pm deadline for bursting firecrackers set by Mumbai police. A recce of six different places in the city found time deadlines and not noise levels to have been violated.

NGO Awaaz Foundation, which works towards eradication of noise pollution, said that maximum decibel levels dropped to 113.5 this year, down from last year’s high of 123 decibel. Mumbaikars burst fewer crackers this year however enforcement of time limit was inadequate and even at prominent locations such as Marine Drive, the noisiest firecrackers were burst after 10 pm, in spite of police presence.

According to Awaaz Foundation, areas such as Marine Drive and Worli Sea Face had crackers being burst way past midnight with the highest reading of 113.5 decibel recorded at about 11.15pm at Marine Drive.

Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis set a good example with his family abstaining from bursting crackers. Sumaira Abdulali, convenor, Awaaz Foundation, said, “There has been a downward trend in the use of crackers but this year, it has been the lowest. It also seems that Mumbai is the only city in the country to have reduced the use of firecrackers to a large extent.”

According to Awaaz Foundation, no crackers were burst at locations such as Carter Road and Reclamation in Bandra, Khar Danda, Versova, Juhu Tara Road and Andheri East till 8.15pm.

The highest reading of 113.5dB was recorded at about 11.15pm at Marine Drive.