Jamshedpur, Nov. 01: An alarming rise in air and noise pollution level in the city has been recorded following the bursting of fire crackers during the Diwali celebrations.

Officials of the regional office of Jharkhand State Pollution Board ( JSPB) said that both noise and air pollution level might have increased in the city considerably due to bursting of fire crackers and also due to movement of heavy traffic owing to festive season.

While monitoring the noise and air pollution during the festival of lights in 20 odd points across the steel city, the team of JSPB has found that the levels of pollution have witnessed a rise.

Experts have found that the poisonous Nitrogen Oxide, Sulpher Oxide, respirable suspended particulate matters have risen in the air. People even complained of itching in the eyes and throat over the past few days.

Sources informed that in Jamshedpur, Sakchi, Bistupur, Jugsalai, Mango and Adityapur were among some of prime locations were the pollution level was monitored.

“We are yet to receive entire data but going by the trend we fear that the pollution level has increased following Diwali celebrations in city,” said an official.

He said that though pollution board had requested people to shun use of fire crackers but despite repeated appeal people failed to pay heed to environment concerns.

R.N. Choudhary, the regional officer of JSPCB said that the team has monitored the pollution level however the final report would be available after a week.

“Our team was involved in monitoring the pollution level. The check was carried out for two-days and we are yet to file a detail report,” noted Choudhary.

The regional officer said that the objective of the two-day survey was to collect pollution level data and spread awareness among people its harmful effects. He added that a report will be prepared which will be sent to the Central Pollution Control Board for scrutiny.

Notably in Jamshedpur, the maximum noise pollution during Diwali last year was reported from S Type Chowk at Adityapur with the noise level exceeding 95 decibels.

At Bistupur commercial market, the noise level during the day was 88 decibels against the permitted 55 during the same time. Even peaceful areas like places in front of Tata Main Hospital recorded 54 decibels at night.

The prescribed norms of noise pollution during Diwali was 70 decibels in industrial areas, 55 in commercial areas, 45 in residential and 40 in silent zones at night.