Diwali fireworks push noise pollution beyond permissible limit in Guwahati

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The ambient noise level in the city went way past the permissible limit during this year's Diwali festivities, data from the Pollution Control Board of Assam (PCBA) has revealed.

The PCBA had surveyed the ambient noise level in dB (decibel) before Diwali and on Diwali in three locations of the city – Panbazar, Ganeshguri and Ulubari. A dB is a weighted scale for judging loudness that corresponds to the hearing threshold of the human ear.

During the survey at Panbazar, which falls under the silent zone, the average ambient noise level was found to be 59.4 dB before Diwali (October 29, 2021) and 73.8 dB on Diwali (November 4, 2021). Last year, it was 55.2 dB before Diwali (November 9, 2020) and 69.6 dB on Diwali (November 14, 2020). Similarly, in Ganeshguri, which is a commercial zone, the average ambient noise level was found to be 67.3 dB before Diwali and 75.9 dB on Diwali this year. Last year, it was 64.6 dB before Diwali and 68.0 dB on Diwali. Ulubari which falls under the residential zone recorded average ambient noise level 66.8 dB before Diwali and 78.9 dB on Diwali this year. Last year, it was 66.1 dB before Diwali and 73.8 dB on Diwali.

Last year, there was a complete ban on bursting of crackers. This year, however, bursting of only green crackers was allowed for two hours.

The Central Pollution Board has laid down the permissible noise levels in India for different areas. Noise pollution rules have defined the acceptable level of noise in different zones for both daytime and nighttime. In industrial areas, the average permissible limit is 75 dB for daytime and 70 dB at night. In commercial areas, it is 65 dB and 55 dB, in residential areas it is 55 dB and 45 dB during daytime and night respectively while in silent zones it is 50dB and 40 dB respectively.

Also Read: Assam witnesses 81 fire incidents during Diwali

Also watch: