Noise pollution went up even this Durga Puja

Patna: Though noise level exceeded the permissible limit at many puja pandals, Bihar State Pollution Control Board (BSPCB) officials are at least happy that majority of Puja organisers reduced the volume of their loudspeakers after a soft reminder.
Like every year, BSPCB installed noise detection gadgets at different localities this year too and its officials were on duty in 692 neighbourhoods of the state capital, unlike 116 spots which were under BSPCB scanner the previous year.“The best thing was that people listened to us and reduced the volume of loudspeakers after our reminders. Our men were on duty from October 7 to October 9 to record the noise pollution. Though on day one of the patrolling, the noise level was high, many pandals reduced the volume after soft reminder and I appreciate this,” BSPCB member secretary S Chandrasekar said.
However, of the total 692 spots scanned this time, only 94 had noise level below 75 decibels (dB), which is the permissible limit. At 69 spots, the noise level was between 75 and 80dB, at 291 spots between 80 and 90 db and at 222 spots between 90 to 100dB. The noise level exceeded 100dB only in 16 spots.
As per the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000, which was amended in 2012, the noise level at marketplace between 6am and 10pm should be 65dB. But a relaxation of 10dB has been given during special occasions. Also no loudspeakers are allowed after 10pm.
In spite of BSPCB doing its best and increasing the number of spots three-fold compared to previous years, the norms were violated at 598 spots. BSPCB member secretary said the report would now be sent to the district administration for further action.
Patna district magistrate Sanjay Kumar Agarwal said the administration would identify the spots and compare their noise level with previous year and also find out the reason for increase in noise. “At many places, noise level is already high due to plying of vehicles. We have to first figure out the reason behind increase in noise level,” said Agarwal.