Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
KANPUR: Despite skyrocketing prices of crackers, Diwali was not quieter and cleaner. It may be due to lack of awareness about environment amongst the masses. This festival witnessed higher levels of air and noise pollution.
According to Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) officials, more crackers were burnt this year in comparison to last year. The sound and air monitoring at Tilak Nagar, Swaroop Nagar, Govind Nagar, Rawatpur and Birhana Road revealed that the pollution was three to four times more than the normal level. During Diwali, the level of nitrogen oxide was four times above the normal limit of 80 micro grams/m3. The level was found to be 180.
The noise pollution was found to be 95-100 decibels (db) during the peak hours of cracker-bursting. The level was not within the permissible limit of 45-55 db.