12 Key Areas In Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad To Be Monitored For Air And Noise Pollution During DiwaliÂ
Festival Of Lights Or Noise? Alarming Rise In Pollution During Diwali In Pune Â
Pune: During the Diwali festival, there is a significant increase in air and noise pollution due to the use of firecrackers. The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will closely monitor these pollution levels. On October 31 and November 1, noise pollution will be recorded at 12 locations in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, while air pollution data will be collected at six sites.
In recent times, both air and noise pollution have been on the rise, exacerbated by ongoing construction projects and urban expansion in both cities. These projects contribute to dust generation, further deteriorating air quality. Additionally, the increasing number of vehicles adds to the problem, resulting in higher levels of noise pollution. Social, political, and religious events often feature loudspeakers, which also contribute to the escalating noise levels.
As the levels of air and noise pollution rise in the city, Diwali celebrations tend to amplify these issues. The smoke from firecrackers makes the air toxic, and the loud noises can cause distress, especially for young children and the elderly. Continuous exposure to loud sounds poses a risk of hearing loss. Given these concerns, the MPCB records air and noise pollution levels during Diwali, allowing for a comparative analysis of pollution levels in the city.
- Locations for Noise Pollution Monitoring:
- – Sakhar Sankul (Shivajinagar)
- – Nal Stop (Karve Road)
- – City Pride (Satara Road)
- – Swargate
- – Government Mental Hospital (Yerwada)
- – Khadki Market
- – Shaniwarwada
- – Laxmi Road
- – Saras Baug
- – Aundh Village
- – Savitribai Phule Pune University Road
With a marked increase in pollution levels during Diwali, the MPCB’s monitoring will help understand the extent of pollution and facilitate potential mitigation measures, according to Kartikeya Langote, sub-regional officer of the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board.
