Notwithstanding the 30 per cent decrease in the sale of firecrackers this year, noise levels shot up in four areas of the city, besides sparking a sharp increase in the particulate matter in the atmosphere.
According to the statistics provided by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), which monitored the ambient noise levels in eight areas of the city on regular days and on Deepavali days, an increase of noise pollution was observed in four areas while there was a decrease in the remaining four areas (see graphic).
Ironically, the highest increase among the monitored areas was found around the Parisara Bhavana on Church Street, with a 26 per cent increase in the noise level compared to last year, KSPCB Chairperson Vaman Acharya told reporters earlier in the week.
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In terms monitoring of air pollution during Deepavali, there was a sharp increase in the particulate matter in the atmosphere.
The City Railway Station area in Majestic registered an increase of 72 per cent in particulate matter while it was 48 per cent and 30 per cent in S.G. Halli near Basaveshwar Nagar and Peenya respectively. Mr. Acharya estimated that bursting of firecrackers had come done by at least 30 per cent compared to last year. He attributed it to the ban imposed on sale of crackers in thickly populated areas, rise in their prices and media reports on noise pollution.