Delhi noise levels rise at 19 of 26 monitoring stations
A report by the Delhi Pollution Control Committee shows noise levels increased at nearly 73 per cent of monitored locations during Diwali.
According to a report by the Hindustan Times, 19 of the 26 monitoring stations in Delhi recorded elevated noise levels during Diwali. The Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) assessment for Deepawali 2026 showed that noise levels rose at nearly 73 per cent of the locations equipped with real-time noise monitoring terminals (NMTs).
The highest noise reading was 89.1 dB(A) in Karol Bagh, which was slightly less than the 89.2 dB(A) measured last year. Jahangirpuri recorded 81.2 dB(A), representing a 9.7 per cent rise from 74 dB(A) in 2025. Sonia Vihar saw the most significant year-on-year increase, with levels climbing 16.6 per cent from 64.3 dB(A) in 2025 to 74.9 dB(A) this year.
Other areas with increases included Dwarka at 79.8 dB(A), Patparganj at 79.5 dB(A), Najafgarh with an 8.2 per cent rise, Mundka with 9.1 per cent, and Wazirpur with 7.8 per cent. Overall, noise levels across the 26 locations ranged from 57.5 dB(A) in Najafgarh to 89.1 dB(A) in Karol Bagh.
Seven locations recorded a decline in noise. Ashok Vihar had the largest drop of 8.8 per cent, falling from 74.9 dB(A) to 68.3 dB(A). Connaught Place and Vivek Vihar also saw decreases of 5.7 per cent and 1.7 per cent, respectively.
The DPCC report noted that widespread violations of the Supreme Court restriction, which allows firecrackers only between 8pm and 10pm, resulted in increased ambient noise. A July 2022 National Green Tribunal (NGT) order directed that noise pollution be treated at par with air pollution.