At 105dB, noisiest Dahi Handis at Khar, Worli Naka

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At 105dB, noisiest Dahi Handis at Khar, Worli Naka
​TNN | Sep 8, 2015, 01.00 AM IST


READ MORE Worli Naka|Sumaira Abdulali|Noise|Khar|Decibel Levels

MUMBAI: Even as Dahi Handi celebrations across the city were muted compared to the previous years due to restrictions on the height of pyramids and curbs on decibel levels, there were a few places where noise norms were violated. Awaaz Foundation, an organization that has long battled noise pollution, measured decibel levels in the city on Sunday and found that the highest noise levels were at Khar and Worli Naka—around 105dB. 

"Loudspeakers used at the events violated noise levels, often in police presence. Citizens' complaints indicated that the police were unresponsive to their grievances and no numbers were publicized by the government to receive complaints in accordance with court orders," said Sumaira Abdulali, founder of Awaaz Foundation. 

According to the organization, residents from Marine Drive, St John Baptist Road in Bandra (W) and Mira Road, and those living near Byculla zoo and near Wockhardt Hospital in Agripada, complained about blaring loudspeakers and other violations, but the police took no action. 

"The highest decibel levels of 105dB and 100dB were recorded during evening hours at Khar, and where drums were used in addition to loudspeakers at Worli Naka. Both these functions were organized by political parties. At these functions, height restrictions of pyramids were violated and children were seen on the top tier. In a few instances, roads were 100% blocked," she added. 

In Thane, Awaaz Foundation found that pandals blocked half the road; one road leading to the railway station was completely blocked. But the organization pointed to an overall reduction in the number of Dahi Handis in Thane. There were no events on Gokhale Road, which has nearly 10 hospitals and two ICUs. Till last year, the road hosted at least five large Dahi Handis with loud music. Mandals, especially those headed by politicians, scaled down revelry and the heights of pyramids, citing various restrictions. 

Noise levels were also not too high in Navi Mumbai, which saw heavy police deployment on roads. 

Last year, the high court had restricted the height of pyramids to 20ft and this year, the state government issued guidelines banning the participation of children below 12, amid a raft of other safety measures. 

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Vijay Acharya•679•



•Mumbai•17 days ago
Awaaz foundation members should stand outside all the mosques in the city and note the decibel level 5 times a day for 365 days....its a nuisance that people are forced to endure.

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Rizzz•3456•



• Vijay •Unknown•17 days ago
Its Melodies to Ears and just not exceeding 03 Minutes and not Blaring / Deafening Sound the Whole Day and all during the different Festival Periods, which is Continues .Bollywood Numbers and not Hymns.
Azaan is an invitation for the faithfuls to remember their Creator and offer Thanks for all the Bounties bestowed upon Mankind...
.
The Blaring Drum Beats and Filmy Songs and Dance is No Religion, but maligning it , Read , your own Scriptures, and for sure, you will not find this ......
. ... Read More

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