Noise pollution better this Diwali but the quality of air seems to have degraded in Mumbai

This Diwali has been quieter compared to the earlier years but the quality of air doesn’t seem to have improved.

Sound Pollution

Like every year, ‘Awaz Foundation’ conducted a survey about sound pollution in some places in Mumbai. According to this survey, on October 19, there was a deadline to burst crackers till 10:00 pm but people were playing with fireworks beyond the stipulated time and it went on till 12:00 am.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had encouraged everyone to celebrate a ‘pollution-free Diwali’ and urged children be taught about the importance of the environment. Fireworks which generate too much noise need to be banned. This year, crackers which generate too much noise are relatively less and sound pollution is better than last year,” Sumaira Abdulali, Founder of Awaz Foundation.

Air Pollution

The city’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has fallen to a very poor level. On Friday, the AQI read 316 where an AQI between 301 and 400 is considered 'very poor' and people with heart or lung diseases, older adults and children are advised to avoid prolonged or heavy exertion.

According to the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR), the AQI was predicted to be at 303. Delhi marks an AQI of 500+.