Mumbai: Diwali celebrations appear to be undergoing a gradual, albeit slow, transformation in the city with growing public awareness, wider acceptance of green crackers and a significant reduction in firecracker noise levels compared to two decades ago. Yet environmental activists caution that noise pollution remains well above legally permissible limits in some residential areas and stricter enforcement is needed.“So far, the overall noise levels are lower than previous years. But one needs to check if firecrackers are bursted late Sunday night onwards,” said anti-noise pollution activist Sumaira Abdulali from Awaaz Foundation.The shift in consumer behaviour comes even as a recent study by Awaaz Foundation and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) found that peak firecracker noise levels have fallen sharply over the last 20 years. Peak readings during pre-Diwali testing this year touched 93 decibels (dB), substantially lower than the 144.9 dB recorded in 2006.While the Mumbai and Thane District Fireworks Dealers Welfare Association described this year’s cracker sales as “largely normal”, several retailers across the city reported a decline in demand compared to previous years.According to the association’s honorary general secretary Minesh N Mehta, firecracker sales had dropped to around 70% by the end of Ganeshotsav, but business picked up through Navratri and Diwali after an initially slow start. “Most crackers available today are green crackers and consumers have accepted them over the last five years. Sales have been broadly normal, though trends vary from area to area,” Mehta said.However, traders on the ground painted a more nuanced picture. A Vile Parle dealer said sales were lower than last year as many customers deliberately reduced purchases owing to environmental concerns. A Malad shop owner noted that children themselves were urging parents to buy fewer crackers and opt for green varieties such as sparklers and ground spinners. Bombay High Court had also recently ruled that celebrities should voluntarily help spread awareness against firecracker pollution without charging any public money.TOI spoke to residents, activists and political leaders attributing the change to greater environmental awareness and compliance with court directions. RTI activist Anil Galgali said noise levels were lower, crediting awareness campaigns and court orders, though political events in some areas may have caused localised spikes.Andheri resident Karan Jotwani said both cracker sales and bursting had visibly declined in the Lokhandwala area. “The number of cracker stalls has reduced and even in my 240-flat housing society, noise was nearly half of previous years. I also think people are becoming more conscious. I was especially worried as I have a pet at home now,” he said.Shiv Sena corporator Amey Ghole said greater public awareness had encouraged many people to either avoid crackers or opt for green fireworks. “So, there was more focus on the traditional and environmentally friendly options this Diwali. The celebrations were more cultural and less loud, which is a welcome move. We are all for celebrations that are environmentally friendly,” Ghole said.BJP MLA Mihir Kotecha said most citizens followed the HC directive by bursting crackers within housing complexes and grounds rather than on public roads. He said celebrations retained their traditional spirit, while remaining compliant with regulations.Political observers noted that while leaders continued to support festive celebrations, many promoted green crackers and celebrations in societies and designated grounds to avoid violating court orders or appearing insensitive to environmental concerns.Former Congress corporator Sheetal Mhatre also observed a decline in cracker noise, adding that rising living costs and higher cracker prices may have prompted many households to cut back on purchases this year.But Abdulali pointed out that even 93 dB exceeds prescribed ambient noise limits for residential, commercial, industrial and silence zones. In a representation to the state govt, she urged authorities to strengthen enforcement of noise regulations, particularly during the Diwali season.In her letter to chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, she also highlighted that Mumbai has 110 notified silence zones where bursting firecrackers is prohibited. Firecrackers are banned between 10 pm and 6 am across the city. Additionally, recent Bombay High Court directions prohibit bursting crackers on public roads, streets, lanes and footpaths.Awaaz Foundation also raised concerns over widespread violations in the firecracker market, including missing or fake QR codes, absence of mandatory decibel declarations and non-disclosure of banned toxic heavy metals such as barium.Awaaz Foundation: — Firecracker Samples TestedNoise testing conducted at RCF Ground, Chembur, on Nov 5Total samples tested: 17Highest Noise Level: 93.1 dBLowest Noise Level: 58.3 dBNoise TrendPeak cracker noise has reduced sharply over the years144.9 dB (2006) ➝ 93.1 dB (2026)Green Crackers Gain GroundDealers report increasing demand for green crackersSparklers and ground spinners among popular choices
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