Firecrackers clear noise level test for Diwali

Firecrackers will be less noisy this Diwali it seems, according to tests conducted by an NGO together with the state pollution authority.

The crackers tested produced a sound that was marginally less than the level during last year's tests. This is still good news.

The Awaaz Foundation and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board stated that during the tests conducted at RCF grounds in Chembur, the highest level was 123dB. That's 6.9 dB down from 129.9 dB last year.

The permissible level for firecrackers is 125dB, which still above the the permissible noise level set by civic authorities in residential and commercial areas.

The firecrackers tested were in the single cracker as well as series categories, which explode on the ground or in the air. Rassi bombs that are particularly loud were also tested.

"We are happy to note that the noise levels are lower this time. It was good to see that some effort has been made to reduce the noise level. Rassi bombs were also less noisy," said Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation, that has been a key initiator of this effort.