Awaaz Foundation Urges Maharashtra Govt To Act Against Firecrackers, Smoke Devices And Laser Lights During Festivals

Mumbai: The Awaaz Foundation, a vocal advocate against noise pollution, has called on the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police to crack down on the use of firecrackers, smoke-producing devices, and laser lights during religious festivals. In a letter sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 28, the foundation reported observing firecrackers being set off at Worli Naka around 10:30 PM and smoke-producing devices at Girgaon Chowpatty and Opera House between 11 PM and midnight on September 25.

The Awaaz Foundation has been systematically testing noise levels from firecrackers in collaboration with the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) since around 2009. Their tests conducted in October 2022 revealed firecracker noise levels ranging from 71.4 decibels to a staggering 114 decibels. These levels far exceed the 45 dB threshold allowed beyond 10 PM in residential areas.

Furthermore, the foundation raised concerns over the potential harm caused by smoke-producing firecrackers and other devices. The chemical composition of these smoke-producing items remains unknown, making it difficult to assess their full impact on air quality. Sumaira Abdulali, founder of the Awaaz Foundation, urged for a complete ban on all smoke-producing devices, including firecrackers and mechanical devices that emit smoke.

The letter also highlighted the use of laser lights during visarjan celebrations in Bandra, Dadar, Prabhadevi, and Girgaon. The foundation documented laser beams directed into residential homes in Girgaon and included a video recording with their letter. They cited a study from the US National Library of Medicine, which warned that light pollution could interfere with metabolism and circadian rhythms, posing significant health risks.

The Awaaz Foundation is calling for stringent enforcement of regulations against noisy firecrackers, smoke-producing devices, and laser lights during upcoming festivals such as Navratri, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti, the Mahim Fair, Christmas, and New Year.