Noise levels of crackers to be put on the web-site
8 May, 2012The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) has been directed by the Central Information Commission (CIC) to display noise levels of firecrackers on its website which fulfills the longstanding demand for measuring noise levels of fireworks. On a complaint filed by an activist Sumaira Abdulali, the Central Information Commission has directed that the information regarding tests carried out on firecrackers for hazardous chemical content and noise levels by agencies authorized by the MoEF should be disclosed on the official website pro-actively under Section 4 of the RTI Act.
In October 1999, an amendment was made in the Environment (Protection) Rules 1986, whereby the definition of noise pollution was amended. Further, the manufacture, sale and use of firecrackers generating noise levels exceeding 125dB (AL) or 145dB (C) was banned. The Department of Explosives under the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is empowered to regulate the grant of licences to manufacturers of explosives.
In compliance of the Supreme Court (SC) order dated 18th July 2005 wherein the SC ordered that the noise levels be measured and put in the public domain, PESO had undertaken a study in association with MEPCO Schlenk Engineering College, Sivakasi.