The city was noisier this Diwali night - particularly from 10pm to midnight - as compared to the same period last year but quieter during the day, from 6pm to 10pm, says a Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) report.
Myriad colours from fireworks lit up the city sky on Diwali night and high-decibel crackers completed the picture, violating noise and air pollution norms.
Nitrogen dioxide level was lower than in the previous year, but sulphur dioxide and respiratory suspended particulate matter (RSPM) levels were higher this year. Except for sulphur dioxide, all components were higher than permissible limits. Decibel (dB) levels also remained higher than the expected standards. BSPCB furnished the details after monitoring air and noise levels through a portable device at the Boring Road crossing.
"The noise level measured between 10pm and midnight showed people burnt crackers despite a ban on the same after 10pm. Besides, the level of RSPM (fine particulate matter that invades the lungs and triggers respiratory diseases and cancer) was found to be alarmingly high. This is primarily because of smoke from firecrackers," said Subhash Chandra Singh, chairman, BSPCB.
The level of RSPM was recorded at 591 microgram per cubic meter (µg/m3) of air, which is nearly six times more than the respective standard of 100(µg/m3.
"The air quality on Diwali was monitored from 6am on Wednesday till 6am on Thursday, whereas the same for noise was done from 6pm till midnight on Wednesday. In order to compare the air and noise pollution levels on Diwali with other days, BSPCB monitored the two parameters on November 5 as well," said Arun Kumar, a scientist at BSPCB.
Air pollution, primarily through RSPM, has been a cause of concern in Patna even on normal days. As per the latest air pollution report by BSPCB, the level of three out of four air pollutants increased in 2014-15 as compared to corresponding levels in 2013-14. The annual average of RSPM in 2014- 2015 was more than three times the national limit.
Patna is apparently a noisy city as well. This is primarily because of needless honking. The situation is worse in silent areas and residential zones, where the prescribed sound limits are 50dB and 55dB, respectively, but the actual level of sound generated is over 100db.
