Nagpur: Irrespective of the zone — industrial, commercial, residential or silence — Nagpur recorded major violations of noise levels across all 10 monitoring spots identified by Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) in view of Diwali celebration. Deshpande Layout in East Nagpur was the noisiest on Diwali and Padwa days. Kalamna dislodged Deshpande Layout by a slim margin on Padwa day, when it recorded higher decibels.Deshpande Layout was closely followed by Mahal and Dharampeth on Diwali day, but these areas were relatively quieter at night as per the MPCB report. The levels were recorded between 6am and 10pm, and 10pm and 6am for day and night time noise pollution levels.The findings clearly indicate that local authorities were unable to implement the Bombay HC restrictions on bursting firecrackers between 8pm and 10pm only. The fireworks went on till late in the night on Diwali as well as the next couple of days, the records show.MPCB regional officer Hema Deshpande said that the increased noise levels were due to firecrackers. Deshpande said there was not much the MPCB can do other than create awareness about ill-effects of the hazard on health.According to the Noise Pollution Control Rules 2000, noise level must not exceed 50 to 75 decibels (dB(A)) during day time and 40 to 70 dB(A) at night time depending on the type of zone. The day time decibel levels as heard by human ears are captured through noise meters between 6am and 10pm, and for night time between 10pm and 6am.The MPCB monitored the noise levels mainly for Diwali and Padwa celebrations. The readings showed much higher noise level than the permissible limits across all monitoring spots. As per the readings on Diwali day, the maximum day time noise level was 90.1 dB at both Mahal and Dharampeth monitoring points. We also published the following articles recentlyNoise level lowest since 2018 in housing hubs on Diwali, highest in commercial areasData from the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) shows that noise levels in residential areas of Gurgaon were lower on Diwali compared to the past five years. However, commercial areas experienced an increase in noise levels. The HSPCB has set up temporary noise monitors in different areas of the city. The data also revealed that noise pollution exceeded the recommended limits in many areas, indicating the need for more monitoring stations. Residents had mixed experiences with some reporting a quiet Diwali while others faced high levels of noise pollution.Arrests spiked as noise and AQI rose across Kol on Diwali nightKolkata witnessed a violation of the Supreme Court order on firecrackers as noise pollution levels spiked after 10pm on Diwali night. The air quality index peaked at 2pm across the city, with several areas experiencing loud firecrackers till late at night. The police made a total of 874 arrests, the highest in the past four years, but residents complained of little action being taken. Noise levels in various areas exceeded permissible limits, with calls to the police and pollution control board going unanswered.Pollution levels saw alarming spike on Diwali night: ReportDespite awareness campaigns and the promotion of green crackers, the city of Lucknow experienced a significant increase in air pollution on Diwali night. The levels of PM 2.5 and PM 10 rose by 177.68% and 126% respectively, compared to the night before Diwali. The air quality in commercial areas such as Aminabad and Chowk was classified as "very severe," with levels of PM 2.5 reaching 336 micrograms per cubic meter, well above the safe limit of 60 micrograms.

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