Maharashtra Pollution Control Board tests 12 firecrackers, 7 cross stipulated noise limit

PUNE: Of the 12 sound-emitting firecrackers tested by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), Pune, four in series were found crossing the stipulated limit of 105 dB and three single firecrackers crossed the maximum decibel limit of 145 dB. The tests were conducted to assess the compliance of noise level.
Samples of different types of firecrackers from various companies available in the market were tested.
All the series crackers, such as '2000 Shells,' 'Musical Mala,' 'Motta Tukada' and '1000 Lar', exceeded the stipulated limit. In case of single crackers, three of the eight crackers - 'Dynamite Bomb Foils,' 'Army Fighter Bomb' and 'Dynamite Bomb Green' - crossed the maximum stipulated limit.
Noise standards for firecrackers have been notified under the Environmental (Protection) Act. As per the notification, manufacture, sale or use of fire crackers generating noise levels exceeding 125 decibel or 145 decibel at peak, at four metres distance from the point of bursting are prohibited for individual firecrackers. For fire crackers in series, the noise limit is more stringent with the permissible limit at 105 decibel.
Anil D Mohekar, regional officer, MPCB, Pune, told TOI that the MPCB, in association with NGO Ranjai and MIT College, had organized the tests at MIT Ground on Wednesday. The tests were part of an activity to create awareness about the high noise levels generated during the bursting of the crackers and its associated adverse health impacts,
"The report of the tests has been sent to the board's head office in Mumbai. While police have the authority to take action, we are now looking at measures to stop the sale of these crackers in the market. We plan to urge the district authorities not to give permission for setting up stalls to sell these firecrackers. It is too late to act on the plan this year, but we will definitely take it up next year,'' Mohekar said.
The MPCB report states that noise generated by firecrackers that are much higher than the prescribed levels can effect both health and behaviour of people. Unwanted sound (noise) can damage physiological and psychological health.