Crackers exceeding decibel limit arrive in city markets

Neeraj Bagga

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Amritsar, September 28

Even as the pollution board norms permit a limit of 135 decibels for firecrackers, many crackers surpassing this limit have arrived in markets. This violation of norms has gone unchecked in the city. 

An environment activist, Gurbhej Singh, said a large number of crackers of high decibel were being sold in the market. “During the time of exploding, minor children watch these crackers closely and their tender ears could be damaged by these,” he said. 

However, medical experts recommend that any cracker beyond 85 decibels is a health hazard. Another startling fact is that Punjab State Pollution Control Board (PSPCB) officials believe that the norms permit a decibel limit of 135 and they would be adhering to this parameter only. 

Firecrackers of varied intensity are being sold in the market. A cracker of a famous brand has a sound level of 136 decibels and that, too, while standing 15 feet away from the bursting site and similarly, another cracker has a sound level of 134 decibels when recorded from 30 feet away, which is quite more than the permissible level ie 120 decibels. Triple shot and parrot bombs have a sound level of 105 decibels and 107 decibels, respectively.

Even as many illegal cracker units and stores have come up in the city, many of them may have started supplying crackers in markets. These crackers made by untrained artisans and with inferior material exceed the decibel limit. Sometimes, they cause accidents also. 

Environment officials of the PSPCB stated that the maximum allowed intensity of a cracker was 135 decibels. They said the board constituted teams randomly to check cracker shops in various markets.