India, Nov. 10 -- Several commercial hubs and traffic-heavy areas across Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad recorded high noise levels on Lakshmi Poojan during Diwali, with Laxmi Road registering the highest daytime equivalent noise level (Leq) in Pune city at 82.4 dB(A). Khadki Bazar (81.8 dB(A)) and Shivajinagar (Sakhar Sankul) (81.6 dB(A)) followed, according to ambient noise monitoring data verified by the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) for November 8.

The elevated levels continued into the night, with Laxmi Road and Khadki Bazar recording 76.5 dB(A) and 76.4 dB(A), respectively. Aundh Gaon followed at 75.5 dB(A), Shaniwarwada at 75.2 dB(A) and Shivajinagar at 75 dB(A).

Kiran Hasbnis, regional officer (additional charge), MPCB, P...