Navi Mumbaikars indeed celebrated a less noisy Diwali this year. Officials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials say there has been a 10% decline in noise levels during the festive period this year.

“We not only monitored noise levels but also ambient air quality in order to gauge air pollution caused as a result of noxious fumes released while bursting crackers. A total of nine areas across Navi Mumbai were monitored including Vashi, Nerul, Koparkhairane, Turbhe, Rabale, Sanpada, CBD Belapur, Shirvane and Digha. There has been a considerable decrease in pollution levels this year, with noise and air pollution dropping by around 10%,” said Madhukar Ratan Lad, sub-regional officer for Navi Mumbai, MPCB. These areas were monitored on the day of Diwali (November 3).

However, environmental activists and residents are testimony to the fact that although noise levels have decreased considerably this year, there is no respect for rules and ardent fans of crackers continue to flout them.

Ajay Marathe, a Vashi resident who is associated with the Awaaz Foundation, that is well known for voicing its concern with regard to pollution said that many people openly went beyond the 10pm deadline, bursting rockets and bombs that exceed the admissible 125dB limit. “In general there has been less noise caused due to crackers this year. However, those who indulged in it did not care to adhere to the deadline. In Vashi, I observed that not only after 10pm, but well past midnight, several rockets and bombs were being bursted.” He added that although people are prohibited to burst in silent zones like around hospitals, there is no regard for this rule as well.

Marathe said, “Although creating awareness can result in more people giving up crackers, flouting rules can be curbed only by police intervention. Police officials should also check noise levels in different areas and bring miscreants to task.”

Marathe who is also an animal activist, associated with the Committee to Monitor Animal Welfare Laws in Maharashtra that has been appointed by the Bombay High Court. He expressed concern that crackers harm animals the most and cause much stress.

Those who had to bear the loud noise at night also put forth the same views. “One should not have fun at the cost of other people’s peace and that is the reason the rule of not bursting crackers post 10pm was made. But what use is it when people do not have any qualms in violating it. It is not just flower pots and sparklers but Red Fort crackers and rassi bombs that we had to put up with at 12 in the night,’ said an agitated Sangita Rao, resident of Vashi.

Celebrations, minus the dinOfficials from the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) officials say there has been a 10% decline in noise levels during the festive period this year. A total of nine areas across Navi Mumbai were monitored including Vashi, Nerul, Koparkhairane, Turbhe, Rabale, Sanpada, CBD Belapur, Shirvane and Digha

Environmental activists and residents are testimony to the fact that although noise levels have decreased considerably this year, there is no respect for rules and ardent fans of crackers continue to flout them.