Question : DATA ON NOISE AND AIR POLLUTION

(a) the data on noise and air pollution recorded in major cities of country during different festivals for the last three years and the current year;

(b) whether the Government proposes to issue guidelines to fireworks companies regarding production of crackers which produce low noise and low level of air pollution and if so, the details thereof;

(c) the details of policy formulated to control noise and air pollution effectively during festivals;

(d) whether a regulatory board is likely to be constituted for the said purpose;

(e) if so, the time by which it is likely to be constituted; and

(f) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR ENVIRONMENT, FORESTS AND CLIMATE CHANGE (SHRI PRAKASH JAVADEKAR)

(a). The Central Pollution Control Board monitors ambient noise levels and air quality in Delhi, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Lucknow, Vadodara, Kolkata and Shillong during Deepawali festivals every year. Ambient air quality is monitored in terms of Sulphur Dioxide, Nitrogen Dioxide and Particulate Matter having size less than or equal to 10 micron (PM10) apart from ambient noise monitoring. Analysis of data for last three years and current year indicates that ambient noise levels were exceeded in general in a majority of cities whereas PM10 exceeded in all cities barring a few location with fluctuating trend. NO2 and SO2 are reported below detectable limits in Shillong.

(b)&(c). Fireworks may be classified in two categories, i.e. sound emitting crackers and light emitting crackers. Noise limits for sound emitting firecrackers have been notified under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 which are implemented by the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO), Nagpur. PESO has formulated guidelines, to be used by fireworks manufacturers for production of low noise and less air polluting fire crackers, as reported.

(d) to (f). The system is in place to implement the noise norms and guidelines therein. Regulatory body is not required to be constituted for the purpose.