Firecrackers used in the city have gotten less noisy. The most commonly available firecrackers tested by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for ambient noise levels (sound pollution) before this Diwali ranged up to 93.4 decibel (dB), significantly below the maximum permissible limit as per the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) rules, which is 120 dB.
Test results for 2025
A detailed report of the test conducted by MPCB on 25 most commonly available fire crackers at the RCF grounds in Chembur revealed that the decibel levels of each of these firecrackers ranged between 57.2 dB and 93.4dB. These figures show a stark improvement in sound pollution from firecrackers in the past 20 years — since 2005, when MPCB, in partnership with Mumbai-based NGO Awaaz Foundation, started testing the firecrackers for sound pollution. However, only 18 out of the 25 firecrackers displayed their decibel levels on the packaging.
Comparing previous tests
In 2005, 28 types of firecrackers were tested for sound pollution: nine of which exceeded sound levels of 120 dB, and 15 others exceeded 100 dB. Subsequently, in 2008, 24 types of firecrackers were tested for sound pollution, and all of them were found to be “unfit for use in residential areas and silence zones”.
mid-day assessed data from MPCB and Awaaz foundations tests regarding firecrackers and noted that dB levels have halved in 20 years. Officials have attributed the improvement to a government crackdown on manufacturers, awareness programs, and advocacy by NGOs.
What’s permissible
According to CPCB rules, the decibel levels should be up to 120 dB(A) — a frequency for audibility for humans; and up to 145 dB(C) — a measurement of audibility for birds and animals. Firecrackers fall under ‘Class 7’ of the Explosives Act and are liable to stringent norms for manufacture, handling, and sale. Manufacturers are required to disclose dB levels of firecrackers on the packaging, the chemical composition, and whether the firecracker is eco-friendly.
Reason for change
MPCB annually conducts tests on commonly available fire crackers across all 12 zones of Maharashtra, with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai being considered one zone each. The tests are followed by regular awareness campaigns throughout the year. For manufacturers flouting norms, action is taken by MPCB’s Explosives Department. Speaking with mid-day during annual tests, a senior official from MPCB said, “All tested firecrackers being within the required dB levels shows that advocacy with manufacturers over the years has worked, and that we were able to create awareness among them about what is allowed.”
Sumaira Abdulali from Awaaz Foundation said, “In the past two decades, we have seen a significant improvement in the manufacturing of the product itself. It shows that MPCB’s efforts to check noise pollution from firecrackers is yielding results. While this presents a hopeful picture, we are far from successfully curbing noise pollution from firecrackers. The numbers are a positive indication. But during tests on firecrackers, each is burst individually. However, during festive celebrations, citizens are experiencing too much noise as multiple firecrackers are being burst together. So the perception of sound is very different in reality. We still have a long way to go, and these numbers should be reduced further.”
