As Diwali celebrations wrapped up in Maharashtra, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board took a close look at pollution levels in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The results were quite alarming, showing a significant increase in noise levels during the festival period. The daytime limits for industrial zones were set at 75 decibels, while residential areas were expected to stay around 55 decibels. However, during Diwali, these limits were surpassed in various areas.
In the Sakhar Sankul area of Shivajinagar, noise levels during the day went up by 7 decibels, reaching 79 decibels. Nighttime levels also rose by approximately 11 decibels, hitting 74 decibels. In Nal Stop, while daytime noise levels remained steady, nighttime levels increased by 5 decibels, reaching 70 decibels. Along Satara Road, near City Pride complex, noise levels spiked by 7 decibels during the day, hitting 82 decibels, and by 10 decibels at night, reaching 75 decibels.
In Swargate, daytime noise levels didn’t change much, but nighttime levels rose by 6 decibels, hitting 72 decibels. At Shaniwarwada, noise levels increased by 2 decibels during the day, reaching 77 decibels, and by 11 decibels at night, reaching 75 decibels. On Laxmi Road, noise levels rose by 6 decibels during the day, reaching 83 decibels, and by 10 decibels at night, reaching 75 decibels. Overall, there was an increase of about 5 to 10 decibels in noise levels across different areas during Diwali.
Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have been grappling with rising air and noise pollution, with ongoing construction projects and a growing number of vehicles contributing to the problem. The use of loudspeakers at social and religious events only adds to the noise pollution issue, affecting both children and the elderly. Consistent exposure to high noise levels can lead to hearing damage, prompting the question of whether enough is being done to tackle this issue. Otherwise, Diwali may continue to be known as the ‘Festival of Noise’ each year.
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