this Diwali may yet again be an unsafe one, with authorities turning a deaf ear to the pleas of health experts and the masses. A study, conducted by researchers from the New Delhi-based National Physical Laboratory, shows that noise generated by firecrackers (presently available in the market) is much higher than the prescribed levels. The permitted noise level is 125 decibels, as per the Environment (Protection) (second amendment) Rules, 1999.

The department of explosives of the Union ministry of commerce and industry is responsible to ensure that the industry adheres to the set standards. Clearly, it is letting the industry go scot-free. "The sad situation is due to lobbying by manufacturers,' alleges Yeshwant T Oke, a doctor with the Association of Medical Practitioners, Mumbai. "The noise generated by the crackers is higher than the sound of an aircraft; it is deleterious to health,' he asserts.

The researchers measured the noise levels under standard condition