JSPCB to monitor noise, air pollution during Diwali in Jamshedpur

 Jamshedpur, Oct 20: The regional office of the Jharkhand State Pollution Control Board ( JSPCB) will monitor sound pollution in five areas before and on the day of Diwali on November 4. Golmuri, Jugsalai, Bistupur, Mango and Telco have been identified for monitoring the pollution level.

An official said that apart from decibel check, they would also keep a tab on the ambient air quality on the day of Diwali. ” We had a meeting with my subordinates in this regard today. In the meeting I briefed them how to ensure accuracy while taking the readings,” he said.

The senior pollution control board official went on to say that the readings of noise pollution and ambient air quality will be compiled after the festival. The survey reports would be sent to the Central Pollution Control Board ( CPCB).

The state pollution control board has instructed the regional office to ban crackers, which cause a noise of more than 125 decibels. CPCB has issued similar orders to other cities across the country, JPCB officials said.

According to CPCB guidelines, in commercial areas, the noise limit cannot exceed 65db between 6am and 9pm, and 55db between 10 pm and 2pm. In silence zones, the specified decibel limit between 6am and 9pm is 50 decibels, and it is 40 decibels from 10pm to 2pm.

Last year during the survey, Sakchi roundabout, Mango and a residential complex in Sonari was found to be the noisiest during Diwali due to large scale bursting of crackers. While monitoring  the maximum decibel limit  at Sakchi roundabout, Mango was found to be between 90db and 120db between 6 pm and 9m on Diwali. The decibel limits at several other places including Adityapur were also found to be above the prescribed limits.

The JPCB headquarters has sent noise meters and other necessary equipment to monitor the pollution level. The regional office has decided to come out with an appeal requesting citizens not to burst high decibel crackers.