Kolkata: Significant noise was recorded at gated communities during the Diwali-Kali Puja celebrations on Thursday and Friday, the state pollution control board said on Saturday.
"We mapped the noise pollution of the city and found that wealthy neighbourhoods, particularly high-rises and gated communities, played a greater role in contributing to noise pollution. The noise map showed how noise impulses centred around big housing societies where revelry was no-holds-barred both on Diwali and the next evening. Our real-time noise monitoring device at these spots gave us an accurate idea of the level of noise they created," said a senior WBPCB officer.
The noise monitoring data collected across the Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA) on Diwali (from 8 pm to 10 pm) provides insight into the acoustic impact of festivities across various locations. The assessment included both average noise levels (LAeqt in dB) and peak noise levels (LApeakt in dB), identifying hot spots where noise exceeded acceptable limits. The same trend followed the next day. However, the majority of firecrackers were burst beyond the Supreme Court-dictated window of 8 pm to 10 pm. The gross noise level was much higher later in the night.
From the monitored locations, Anadapur recorded the highest peak noise level at 124.99 dB, followed closely by Serampore Walsh Superspeciality Hospital at 123.21 dB. These peak values indicate instances of high-intensity sounds, likely from fireworks, that could significantly disrupt local residents and potentially pose health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.
Locations like Ballygunge Campus (CU), Barasat Municipality, Titagarh Municipality, and New Barrackpore Municipality showed both high average and peak noise levels, indicating these areas as noise hot spots. Average levels exceeded 70 dB in these areas, suggesting a sustained acoustic burden that likely affects the community. Given that the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends noise levels below 65 dB for residential zones, the data indicates that these hot spots experienced noise pollution well above safe levels, impacting the overall quality of life.
The data reveals that residential areas, including big housing complexes and municipalities, experienced varied noise levels, with average LAeqt readings between 57.6 dB (Sarsuna College) and 84.86 dB (Madhyamgram Municipality). However, high peak levels across multiple locations suggest that intermittent firecrackers contributed to sudden noise spikes that could be particularly disruptive during nighttime hours. This pattern reflects the cultural practices associated with Diwali but highlights the need for stricter noise control measures to minimise health risks and enhance the community's comfort.
The noise levels observed across the KMA region suggest that Diwali festivities contribute to significant noise pollution, particularly in identified hotspots. Given the adverse health implications of prolonged exposure to high noise levels, stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns are needed. Future measures, such as restricted firecracker usage in sensitive zones and time limitations, could help manage noise pollution while allowing for safe festive celebrations.