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Pune Diwali: Festive Noise Exceeds Limits; Activists Demand Ban
9 Nov
Summary
- Nighttime noise levels increased across all seven monitored Pune locations.
- Daytime noise levels decreased at five locations, with one showing an 8.24% reduction.
- Activists are calling for a complete ban on firecrackers due to violations.
Diwali celebrations in Pune led to a notable increase in air and noise pollution, with nighttime noise levels rising across all seven monitored locations. While daytime noise saw reductions in most areas, nighttime equivalent noise levels (Leq) escalated, exceeding permissible limits in commercial and traffic-dominated zones. Laxmi Road and Khadki Bazaar recorded Leq levels of 76.5 dB(A) and 76.4 dB(A) respectively, significantly above the commercial area limit of 55 dB(A).
Despite MPCB monitoring and previous directives, noise pollution norms were widely disregarded during Diwali on November 8, 2026. Activists and residents are now advocating for a complete ban on firecrackers, arguing that awareness campaigns and existing regulations are not effectively implemented. They highlight the distress caused to senior citizens, children, and pets, urging for stricter enforcement and a focus on the firecracker supply chain.
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) monitored noise levels continuously for 24 hours, calculating equivalent noise levels (Leq) for daytime and nighttime periods. These readings indicated substantial exceedances of ambient noise standards, prompting calls for a ban from concerned citizens and environmental advocates who believe a total prohibition is necessary for tangible change.
