Festival Of Lights Or Noise? Alarming Rise In Pollution During Diwali In Pune
Festival Of Lights Or Noise? Alarming Rise In Pollution During Diwali In Pune
The increasing number of vehicles is significantly contributing to rising noise pollution levels. In addition, loudspeakers used in social, political, and religious events are adding to the problem.
Diwali, the festival of lights, holds a special place in everyone’s hearts, symbolizing brightness in life. However, this festival has now become entangled in the toxic haze of firecrackers. Instead of glowing diyas, the festival is now marked by loud, disturbing firecracker sounds, impacting both air and sound pollution.
This Diwali, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board closely monitored pollution levels, recording data on October 24 before Diwali and November 1 during the festival in 12 areas across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad. The findings showed a notable increase in noise levels, with daytime limits for industrial zones at 75 decibels and residential areas expected at 55 decibels. However, these limits were largely exceeded during the festival period.
In the Sakhar Sankul area of Shivajinagar, noise levels during the day increased by 7 decibels, reaching 79 decibels during the Diwali period. At night, the noise level rose by approximately 11 decibels, reaching 74 decibels. In the Nal Stop area, while daytime noise levels did not increase, nighttime levels rose by 5 decibels, reaching 70 decibels. Along Satara Road, near the City Pride complex, noise levels increased by 7 decibels during the day, reaching 82 decibels, and by 10 decibels at night, reaching 75 decibels.
In the Swargate area, daytime noise levels remained unchanged, but nighttime levels rose by 6 decibels, reaching 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, this indicates an increase in noise levels of approximately 5 to 10 decibels across various areas during the Diwali period.
Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad have been facing rising air and noise pollution for some time. As these cities expand, ongoing construction projects also contribute to air pollution. The growing number of vehicles is adding further strain, not only to air quality but also to noise levels. Loudspeakers at social and religious events exacerbate noise pollution, impacting both children and the elderly. Continuous high noise levels can lead to hearing damage, raising the question: Are we truly committed to curbing this pollution? Otherwise, Diwali will continue to be known as the ‘Festival of Noise’ each year.
