It?s official: This Diwali was quieter

THIS DIWALI was safer, if MP Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) is to be believed. Although the sound and air pollution caused due to crackers this was a little above tolerable limit, it was lower than what was recorded during the last festive season.

THIS DIWALI was safer, if MP Pollution Control Board (MPPCB) is to be believed. Although the sound and air pollution caused due to crackers this was a little above tolerable limit, it was lower than what was recorded during the last festive season.

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The Board has attributed low pollution level to the rains that occurred in the City on Diwali night more than a pollution-conscious citizenry. According to MPPCB, the pollution level recorded at the City’s four checkpoints was between 450 to 580 m3, which is quite low compared to the 896 m3 registered last year. Similarly, the level of noise pollution recorded was 88 decibels, which was much lower than maximum limit of 125 decibels.

The Board had set up checkpoints at Rajwada, Cloth Market, Polo Ground and Vijay Nagar to monitor air and noise pollution in the City from October 20-22. MPPCB Regional Officer Achyut Kumar Mishra told Hindustan Times that four teams with four members each were formed and trained for monitoring the noise pollution and ambient level in air with the help of decibel metre (DB) - sound monitoring system - and ambient air metre system. In all, three readings were taken at each area coming under the periphery of every checkpoint.

Notwithstanding the medical opinion, the common advise of MPPCB and doctors is to avoid smoke-spewing and noisy crackers during the oncoming wedding season, as they could lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, allergic bronchitis, hearing problem and skin ailments.