India, Oct. 22 -- New Delhi

Delhi was louder this Diwali than it has been for the past three years, with most neighbourhoods breaching permissible noise limits despite curbs already in place. Real-time data from the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC), assessed by HT, showed that of the 26 active noise monitoring stations across the city, 23 recorded noise levels above prescribed standards - a jump from 22 such stations in 2024 and 13 in 2023.

Karol Bagh, one of the city's busiest commercial hubs, recorded the highest decibel levels on Diwali night, peaking at 93.5 decibels (dBA) at 11pm. This was marginally lower than last year's peak of 94.5 dBA recorded there. The area remained noisy through the day, with levels staying above th...