To check noise pollution this Diwali,the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) will conduct noise monitoring at 15 locations from October 26 to 28 and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has launched a campaign urging people to burst limited crackers. Last Diwali,the highest level of noise pollution was registered at Hadapsar. MPCB sub-regional officer Nitin Shinde said locations under scrutiny include silent,commercial and residential zones. According to the trends of last couple of years,pollution increases during festivals. The average level of noise pollution was between 70 and 75 dBA while the highest reached 80 and 82 dBA at Hadapsar and Satara Road respectively. Noise was being monitored from November 5 to 7 last year,said Shinde. MPCB regional officer of the western zone P K Mirashe said we are trying to create awareness among people about the deafening caused either by loudspeakers,music players or crackers. While awareness has created impact to a certain limit,more action needs to be taken,he said. IMA chief of the city unit Dr Ambarish Shahade said they receive several complaints during Diwali about not just old people and babies but even pet animals. "We are trying to create awareness among people not to burst too many crackers and if they want to they can enjoy fireworks together in an open ground," said Shahade. We need to maintain a proper balance,he said. At times,a patient's blood pressure shoots up or he gets a sudden breathing problem,Shahade said. The most common problem is loss of hearing. This year areas where noise will be monitored include Shivaji Nagar,Modern College,Karve Nagar,Tathode Udyan,Aundh,Parihar chowk,Satara Road,Rajiv Gandhi Udyan,,Kondhwa,NIBM Chowk,Yerawada Mental hospital and jail,Khadki Bazaar,Kothrud,Vanaz,Nagar Road,Viman Nagar Chowk,,Laxmi Road,M G Road,,Walchand house,Deccan,Bal gandharva ,Parvati,Laxmi Nagar,Hadapsar,Koregaon Park and Osho Ashram.
