MPCB, in collaboration with Awaaz Foundation, tested 25 firecracker varieties at Chembur’s RCF grounds. All were found within CPCB’s sound limits, though concerns remain over real-world noise amplification in residential areas and missing decibel labeling on packaging
Officials from the MPCB, BMC, and Awaaz Foundation test firecrackers for noise levels at the RCF Grounds in Chembur. PICS/SHADAB KHAN
The Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) tested 25 varieties of commonly used firecrackers available in Mumbai markets at the RCF grounds in Chembur on Thursday evening. The tests were conducted to determine which firecrackers comply with the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) permissible sound limits during Diwali. According to officials, all 25 varieties were found to be within the approved decibel range. The exercise, conducted annually before Diwali in collaboration with Mumbai-based NGO Awaaz Foundation, serves as a benchmark for monitoring ambient noise levels during the festive period.
The test
While MPCB’s preliminary findings revealed that none of the tested firecrackers exceeded the permissible noise limits, Awaaz Foundation raised concerns about the testing conditions. The NGO pointed out that the test is conducted in open grounds, as per CPCB guidelines, while in real-world scenarios, firecrackers are usually burst in residential areas on hard concrete or tiled surfaces, which amplify sound compared to the grass and mud surface of test sites like the RCF ground.
Moreover, firecrackers during the test are burst “one at a time,” whereas, in actual celebrations, multiple firecrackers go off simultaneously, significantly increasing the perceived noise levels, noted Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation. The MPCB’s test lasted about 45 minutes and included both “green” (eco-friendly) and conventional firecrackers procured by Awaaz Foundation. Using noise meters placed four metres away from each cracker, MPCB officials measured sound levels to ensure accuracy.
A senior MPCB official told mid-day, “It’s true that the perception of sound changes in urban spaces surrounded by buildings. However, the decibel levels remain scientifically consistent, and all samples tested were within prescribed limits.” According to CPCB rules, permissible sound levels for firecrackers are up to 120 dB(A) — the range audible to humans — and up to 145 dB(C), which measures impact on birds and animals. The official added, “The fact that all samples met the prescribed standards shows that years of advocacy with manufacturers have paid off. Awareness among them about permissible noise levels has clearly improved.”
What follows
Similar tests are conducted across all 12 zones of Maharashtra every year, with Mumbai and Navi Mumbai counted as separate zones. These tests are followed by awareness drives throughout the year. For manufacturers violating noise norms, the Explosives Department of the MPCB initiates action.
During Diwali, the MPCB will monitor noise levels at 45 locations across Mumbai — including busy markets, sensitive areas, residential neighbourhoods, and silence zones. Across Maharashtra, a total of 158 locations will be monitored this season.
Contention with tests
Abdulali raised additional concerns, stating that several firecrackers procured for testing lacked mandatory packaging disclaimers about their noise levels. “This disclosure is legally required, and manufacturers failing to comply should face bans. The MPCB has not yet shared the test results with Awaaz Foundation, despite us being official partners,” she said.
Cracker check 2025: What the tests revealed
Permissible noise limits (CPCB norms)
Humans
Up to 120 dB(A)
Animals & birds
Up to 145 dB(C)
The test
Who: Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and Awaaz Foundation
Where: RCF Grounds, Chembur
When: Thursday evening
What: 25 commonly used firecrackers tested for sound levels
Result
>> All 25 firecrackers were found by testers to be within the permissible noise limits.
Tests conducted as per CPCB rules
>> In open ground
>> Using approved noise meters
>> Devices placed four metres away from crackers
>> Officials say the annual drive has helped curb sound pollution and ensured manufacturers stay compliant.
Awaaz’s concerns
Real-world noise is higher: Crackers are burst in lanes, garages, and housing complexes, not on open grounds.
Burst patterns differ
Tests use one cracker at a time, while Diwali celebrations involve many simultaneously.
Packaging violations
Several brands don’t print decibel levels, a mandatory CPCB requirement.
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