MUMBAI: The city seems to have woken up to the noise and air pollution caused by crackers, as activists saw Mumbaikars observing a Diwali which could be one of the quietest in a decade. Environmentalist and convener of Awaaz Foundation, Sumaira Abdulali, who started recording noise levels from Bandra to Marine Drive since 7.30pm on Wednesday, said there were noticeably fewer crackers across the city. “I started from Bandra and moved towards Vile Parle and Juhu. There were hardly any places where we could see a lot of crackers and take a reading. There was a little noise around Mithibai College, Vile Parle,” said Abdulali. The highest decibel level of 123.1dB was recorded at Marine Drive, higher than last year’s 105. “This was because I was standing right next to where the bomb went off. But quantity needs to be considered and that is very low this time. Usually, the sky in Marine Drive is full of firecrackers and there are many people but that isn’t the case this time. So I am very positive that we are having a quiet Diwali,” she said. The highest decibel recorded at Mithibai College was 100dB and 102dB at Worli seaface. At Marine Drive, there was no adherence to the 10pm deadline for bursting crackers. People were seen bursting crackers till late. However, by 11pm, cops came in large numbers and put an end to the revelry. Compared to previous years, the turnout of buyers at firecracker stalls in the city has been thin this time. Some attributed the decline to increased awareness about pollution caused by crackers. Buyers also preferred the noiseless variety, such as sparklers, etc. to the noisy crackers. Abdulali is happy with this change. “The beginning of this journey was not easy. I am happy that people have become aware about the pollution being created and even talk about not bursting crackers. Children too are being taught and explained how harmful it is to pollute the place we live in. But yes, when compared to the last four years, this year Diwali has been eco-friendly.” “Purchase of crackers has come down, thankfully leading to a better environment,” she added. “We should have had bumper sales. Nothing of that sort is happening and people are mostly coming to buy the usual zamin chakkars, sparklers and anaars (firework fountain),” said a dealer from A1 Enterprises, Borivli. While cracker prices have increased from 5 to 15% this year, business is down by around 25%, said dealers. Suburban resident Jayang Nagrecha exemplifies the change in people’s mindset. Nagreche, who has indulged his six-year-old son Yug over the years, said the price of crackers were exorbitant, making customers think twice. “Apart from the cost, his school has been asking the students to have a less noisy Diwali. In fact, it was Yug’s decision to avoid noisy crackers this year,” Nagrecha said. A dealer from Bhagyashree Enterprises, Malad, said, “Looks like people prefer to buy the less noisy crackers. Children seem to want the fancy crackers more than the noisy ones. Also, there is more awareness about noise and air pollution.” This year, fireworks sans sound but high on-colour have made a silent entry into the industry. Anaars or colourful fountains that spew one colour or multi-coloured fountains are being lit more.

