GPCB to monitor noise levels through random checks to ensure 125 decibel limit for firecrackers
Diwali is traditionally the festival of lights. But more often than not, the deafening loud firecrackers turn the festivities into a noisy affair. Taking a serious note of the noise pollution caused by firecrackers, Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) will be on its feet, conducting checks across the state to monitor noise levels during the festive season.
GPCB chairman KU Mistry said, "Apart from routine monitoring, we will carry out random checks across the state during Diwali, to ensure that the permissible noise limit is not being flouted. Our officials will move around with noise meters to measure the decibel (dB) levels of the bursting firecrackers outside societies and offices." He added that in case the decibel level limit is exceeded, GPCB officials will bring the matter to police authorities' notice to alert and warn norm flouters.
The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1999, state that the manufacture, sale or use of firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 decibel shall be prohibited. People should be aware of this while buying and bursting firecrackers. High decibel levels of firecrackers can cause headaches, irritation and result in disturbed sleep for people residing in the vicinity.
Many a time, neighbours or passers-by lodge complaints against the unbearable noise of firecrackers. In such cases, the officials of GPCB visit the location, measure the decibel levels and then inform the respective police authorities to take further actions, informed Mistry.
Mansi Shah, a resident of Navrangpura, said, "My family includes a two-year-old, a seventy-year-old, and a pet dog. Because of the high decibel levels of firecrackers, I have seen them suffering from uneasiness and health problems. The noise levels of firecrackers should be strictly monitored."
Ashish Khajanchi, a city-based firecracker vendor, said
"Interestingly, there has been a change in the trend. People increasingly prefer firecrackers displaying colours and lights, more than the ones producing just loud noise. This might contribute in lesser noise pollution this Diwali."
Apart from the monitoring by GPCB, initiatives and precautions taken by citizens while buying and bursting the firecrackers might help to reduce the levels of noise pollution this festive season.
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