Sutli bomb could cost you Rs.5,000 Police will also file non-cognisable offence cases against violators

Sutli bomb could cost you Rs.5,000

Police will also file non-cognisable offence cases against violators

While celebrating Diwali, avoid loud fire crackers. Otherwise, you’ll not only be fined Rs5,000, but will also be booked for violating noise pollution norms. The police will keep a close tab on those bursting crackers after residents and activists last week appealed to them to ensure that revellers do not burst crackers after the deadline. The Bombay hight court order has set a 10pm deadline. Activists have also asked the law enforcement agencies to stop the sale of firecrackers, especially ladi and sutli (atom) bombs as their sound levels are beyond the permissible decibel level. They also want the police to set up a helpline so that residents can report about noise pollution in their areas. “Many areas had crossed the decibel limit last Diwali. The noise pollution recorded was above 75-80dB (decibels). Senior citizens had also complained about the noise, but no action was taken by the police against those who continued to burst crackers after 10pm,” said a resident, Darius Kateli. The noise pollution rules under the Environment Protection Act specify that during the day, 50dB is allowed in silence zones and 55dB in residential areas. At night, the limits are set at 40dB and 45dB respectively. This year too the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board will install noise pollution detection instruments to monitor noise levels in several areas across Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Thane. They will try to monitor particularly those areas that have been violating noise pollution norms for the last couple of years. Doctors say high noise levels can lead to high blood pressure and an increase in heart beat and cholesterol. It can also damage ear drums. “We have to determine the intensity of the sound during Diwali celebrations. If norms are violated, we will file non-cognisable offence cases against the violators. They will also be fined up to Rs5,000,” said a police official.