Diwali Case Study

Firecrackers and fireworks are popular on the eve of Diwali. Firecracker Concerns
Nowadays there is a significant growth in campaigns on creating awareness over the adverse impacts of noise and air pollution. Some governments drive to keep the festival less noisy and pollution-free. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board has banned production of crackers with noise levels of over 125 decibels.In survey of UP Pollution Control Board, it was revealed that the emission of smoke was found more in the light illuminating fire crackers. Levels of SO2 and RSPM (respirable suspended particulate matter) was found marginally higher on Diwali day.

Crackers, which use large quantities of sulphur and paper, spew out sulphur dioxide and charcoal into the air, also lead and other metallic substances are suspended in the air causing respiratory problems Considering these facts, bursting of crackers is prohibited in silent zones i.e. near hospitals, schools and courts. NGOs and environment organisations, working on creating awareness over the adverse impacts of noise and air pollution, caution you. Over 10,000 children from different schools in Bangalore have been targeted for awareness programmes this year. They hope the trick that did wonders during the Ganesha idol immersion will be successful this time too.

They advocate a safe Diwali without serial crackers or little bombs.

Watch out: Using crackers above 125 decibels is a strict no. According to regional environment officers, the sale of crackers which generate 130 decibels and above, like ‘Bullet Bombs’, ‘Lakshmi Pataka’ and ‘Atom Bombs’, have been stopped.

The average noise level in residential areas in the city is said to be 67 db, while the norm set by the Environment Protection Act is 55 db during daytime. But during Diwali it hovers anywhere between 110 and 130 db. Pollution Control Board officials say they will keep a tab on noise levels this Diwali. Crackers, which use large quantities of sulphur and paper, spew out sulphur dioxide and charcoal into the air. While sulphur dioxide is harmful, charcoal shoots up particulate matter. “Pollution levels dip fast only if there is rain or high wind velocity,” say environment officers.

Last year, city hospitals registered around 10 cases of the aged suffering from acoustic trauma due to nerve cell defect in the inner ear and damages in the eardrum. City’s hospitals registered about 80 cases of damage to the eye. Fireworks in this Diwali is all set to become a little environment-savvy . From now, the fancy fireworks that used to create big noise

and air pollution will be available in less noise and in reduced smoke variants.