Rules flouted, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board silent

Bengaluru: Despite the deadlines set by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, revelers across the city burst crackers beyond 10 pm.

“It is depressing that despite many awareness programmes on the high pollution levels through all forms of the media, the people flouted the guidelines,” said Mr Nanda Kumar Chief Environmental Officer, KSPCB.

Though the deadline has been flouted, the KSPCB officials said that the noise pollution could be 20% lesser as compared to last year because of the intense awareness campaign and heavy rains since Wednesday.

Mr Kumar said that the highest level of noise pollution was reported from Indiranagar compared to other residential areas where the 10 pm deadline was flouted.

On flouting the deadline, he said, “The people should understand the gravity of the issue. We have requested the police in districts to be proactive and to take strict action against those flouting the rules.

But since the festival is widely celebrated and involves the sentiments of the people, the police go easy on taking action against the violators.”

Mr Kumar said, “In 2013, there was a 12% reduction in sound levels as compared to 2012. This year, we are expecting another 7% reduction in the sound levels from the previous year. Despite a few areas recording higher levels of noise we are hopeful of reduction,” he said.