Lesser noise, air pollution in Chennai this time during Diwali: Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board

Chennai: Deepavali this year seems to have caused considerably less air and noise pollution compared to the previous year.

Data provided by the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board reveals that Triplicane recorded 297 RSPM (respirable suspended particulate matter), down from the whopping 537 recorded last time.

The bustling Sowcarpet and T. Nagar recorded 196 RSPM (197) and 180 RSPM (105) respectively. RSPM is dust particles that are lesser than 10 microns in size. The permissible limit for RSPM is 100 microgram per cubic metre. However certain localities like Nungambakkam (180) and Besant Nagar (110) saw an increase in air pollution levels compared to last Diwali when both the areas recorded 159 and 79 RSPM respectively.

Also, most neighbourhoods in the city were less noisy compared to last year. In Triplicane decibel levels touched 82 dB (121 last year), the primarily residential neighbourhoods of Besant Nagar and Nungambakkam measured 73 dB (106) and 82 dB (86) respectively. Noise levels at Sowcarpet and the commercial hub of T Nagar touched 83 dB and 80 dB, significantly down from last year. The permissible noise level in residential areas is restricted to 55dB.

Commenting on the stats released, a TNPCB official said they have noticed comparatively low levels this time.

“It might well be due to the rains that washed away the particulate matters as well as the general public mood that seemed to prefer a green Deepavali,” he said. He also said the intense awareness campaign by the pollution board and other environmental activists seem to have paid off.

TNPCB had setup about 34 air-monitoring stations and 28 for recording noise levels all over the state to collect data.