Activists seek clarity on relaxation of sound rules

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MUMBAI: Anti-noise pollution activists have sought clarification from the government on the four days of relaxation in noise rules for Ganeshotsav.

Sumaira Abdulali, convenor, Awaaz Foundation, said, "The Noise Pollution Rules permit state governments to notify up to 15 days a year for time extension up to midnight for loudspeaker use. It does not permit relaxation of decibel limits applicable between 10pm and 6am of 40dB in a silence zone and 45dB in a residential zone. A Supreme Court order clarifies that the power to notify lies with the state government and this power cannot be delegated. It also clarifies that time extensions do not apply within silence zones."

On Monday, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis held a review meeting of the preparations for the festival. TOI had reported officials saying that district collectors and the police would jointly choose any four days of the ten-day festival for the extension.

Abdulali said data of noise levels during the Ganpati festival in 2013 and 2014 show that when the deadline is extended beyond 10pm, the statutory noise levels are always exceeded "often in silence zones and in police presence".

The NGO, in a letter to Fadnavis, has requested clarification on the measures taken by the state to comply with decibel limits and silence zone restrictions imposed by the noise rules and the Supreme Court.




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