Diwali boom: Mumbai firecracker tests show improved compliance with noise limits

The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board MPCB tested 25 varieties of commonly used firecrackers available in Mumbai markets at the RCF grounds in Chembur on Thursday evening The tests were conducted to determine which firecrackers comply with the Central Pollution Control Boardrsquos CPCB permissible sound limits during Diwali According to officials all 25 varieties were found to be within the approved decibel range The exercise conducted annually before Diwali in collaboration with Mumbaibased NGO Awaaz Foundation serves as a benchmark for monitoring ambient noise levels during the festive periodThe testWhile MPCBrsquos preliminary findings revealed that none of the tested firecrackers exceeded the permissible noise limits Awaaz Foundation raised concerns about the testing conditions The NGO pointed out that the test is conducted in open grounds as per CPCB guidelines while in realworld scenarios firecrackers are usually burst in residential areas on hard concrete or tiled surfaces which amplify sound compared to the grass and mud surface of test sites like the RCF groundMoreover firecrackers during the test are burst ldquoone at a timerdquo whereas in actual celebrations multiple firecrackers go off simultaneously significantly increasing the perceived noise levels noted Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation The MPCBrsquos test lasted about 45 minutes and included both ldquogreenrdquo ecofriendly and conventional firecrackers procured by Awaaz Foundation Using noise meters placed four metres away from each cracker MPCB officials measured sound levels to ensure accuracyA senior MPCB official told midday ldquoItrsquos true that the perception of sound changes in urban spaces surrounded by buildings However the decibel levels remain scientifically consistent and all samples tested were within prescribed limitsrdquo According to CPCB rules permissible sound levels for firecrackers are up to 120 dBA mdash the range audible to humans mdash and up to 145 dBC which measures impact on birds and animals The official added ldquoThe fact that all samples met the prescribed standards shows that years of advocacy with manufacturers have paid off Awareness among them about permissible noise levels has clearly improvedrdquoWhat followsSimilar tests are conducted across all 12 zones of Maharashtra every year with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai counted as separate zones These tests are followed by awareness drives throughout the year For manufacturers violating noise norms the Explosives Department of the MPCB initiates actionDuring Diwali the MPCB will monitor noise levels at 45 locations across Mumbai mdash including busy markets sensitive areas residential neighbourhoods and silence zones Across Maharashtra a total of 158 locations will be monitored this seasonContention with testsAbdulali raised additional concerns stating that several firecrackers procured for testing lacked mandatory packaging disclaimers about their noise levels ldquoThis disclosure is legally required and manufacturers failing to comply should face bans The MPCB has not yet shared the test results with Awaaz Foundation despite us being official partnersrdquo she saidCracker check 2025 What the tests revealedPermissible noise limits CPCB normsHumansUp to 120 dBAAnimals amp birdsUp to 145 dBCThe testWho Maharashtra Pollution Control Board MPCB and Awaaz FoundationWhere RCF Grounds ChemburWhen Thursday eveningWhat 25 commonly used firecrackers tested for sound levelsResultgtgt All 25 firecrackers were found by testers to be within the permissible noise limitsTests conducted as per CPCB rulesgtgt In open groundgtgt Using approved noise metersgtgt Devices placed four metres away from crackersgtgt Officials say the annual drive has helped curb sound pollution and ensured manufacturers stay compliantAwaazrsquos concernsRealworld noise is higher Crackers are burst in lanes garages and housing complexes not on open groundsBurst patterns differTests use one cracker at a time while Diwali celebrations involve many simultaneouslyPackaging violationsSeveral brands donrsquot print decibel levels a mandatory CPCB requirement