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http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-mumbai-records-highest-noise-level-in-a-decade-1237db-2129630
Home » News » India » Mumbai Mumbai records highest noise level in a decade — 123.7dB Tuesday, 29 September 2015 - 7:45am IST | Agency: dna | From the print edition The silver lining this year, Abdulali said, was that at major locations loudspeakers were kept in check at mandaps due to Bombay High Court order, and mandaps were constructed in such a way that they blocked less of the roads. Mumbai was at its noisiest best on the last day of Ganpati Visarjan on Sunday, with 123.7dB being the highest level recorded, also the maximum measured in the last decade. The highest recorded previously was in 2013 — 123.3dB. "The nosiest processions reached a record high decibel level this year at Opera House. The use of firecrackers was also seen more this year than previous years, adding to the noise levels. Loudspeakers, drums and other noisy instruments were stopped exact at midnight at Girgaon Chowpatty the first time that the deadline was strictly adhered to," said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of Awaaz Foundation. She, however, added that a little further down the seaface, Girgaoncha Raja mandal continued to beat drums and use loudspeakers until about 12.45am. According to her, constables on duty were unaware of any official recording of noise levels, and while the noise from mandaps was comparatively restrained this year, noise from processions exceeded the previous high, even as time limits were maintained at prominent locations. The silver lining this year, Abdulali said, was that at major locations loudspeakers were kept in check at mandaps due to Bombay High Court order, and mandaps were constructed in such a way that they blocked less of the roads. "However, during processions, several main and smaller roads were completely blocked and bumper-to-bumper traffic resulted in continuous honking at several locations, including SV Road, Dadar, Bandra and Khar," she added. Dr Mahesh Bedekar, who recorded noise levels in Thane, shared, "A majority of the songs played were Bollywood item numbers. In fact, I received several phone calls from residents from different locations in Thane city, complaining about disturbance caused by loud music." He added that extremely loud music was played opposite maternity homes, which are silence zones, despite heavy police presence, but the police also didn't tell organisers to tone it down. "All noise levels measured on various Visarjan days will be presented to the high court, which is hearing the litigation. The next hearing is on October 9. We will, based on the reading and observations made, seek accountability of various authorities responsible for monitoring noise levels," said Bedekar, adding that a positive this year is that a lot of awareness has been created and people have come forward to complain. Noise levels When: 11.05pm Where: Opera House 123.7dB (DJ) When: 9.01pm Where: SV Road, opposite Juhu airport 103dB (loudspeakers) When: 7.44pm Where: Ambedkar Road, Bandra West 108dB (drums, metal, loudspeakers) When: 10.07pm Where: Worli Naka 107.3dB (DJ and drums) When: 11.45pm Where: Ram Maruti Road, Thane 95-100dB (DJ, big speakers and firecrackers) Highest over the years 2015: 123.7dB 2014: 114dB 2013: 123.3dB 2012: 121.4dB GaneshotsavGanpati visarjanNoise PollutionAwaaz FoundationSumaira AbdulaliBombay High Court ©2015 Diligent Media Corporation Ltd.
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http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/mumbai/ganesh-chaturthi-celebrations-patients-most-hit-as-drums-loudspeakers-go-full-blast/
Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations: Patients most hit as drums, loudspeakers go full blast Ganesh Chaturthi Celebrations: Patients most hit as drums, loudspeakers go full blastWith the 10-day Ganesh festival, hospitals and nursing homes are finding it increasingly difficult to ensure comfort for patients. Written by Tabassum Barnagarwala | Mumbai | Published:September 23, 2015 1:38 am Pandals in Mumbai have mushroomed in silence zones, especially near hospitals, flouting norms that restrict noise levels from exceeding 50 decibels (dB) during the day and 40 dB during the night. (Prashant Nadkar)A MASSIVE Ganesh pandal stands on the footpath outside the 20-bed Arogya Seva Kendra across Bandra Talao. Watchman Suresh Jadhav says that he can hear the aarti twice every day, with noise levels soaring higher on days of visarjan. Pandals in Mumbai have mushroomed in silence zones, especially near hospitals, flouting norms that restrict noise levels from exceeding 50 decibels (dB) during the day and 40 dB during the night. In residential areas, the levels are capped at 55 dB during the day and 45 dB after 10 pm, while in commercial zones the levels cannot exceed 65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night. “In silence zones, the police or civic body does not generally issue no objection certificates (NOCs) to play loudspeakers or drums. Residents can file a complaint and get the loudspeakers removed, but unfortunately the awareness on this is very low,” said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of NGO Awaaz foundation, that creates advocacy on noise pollution. Experts have also claimed that not all city hospitals have been demarcated as silence zones by the civic body. Awaaz’s 2010 report said the city had 1,157 silence zones, most of which lie in Bhandup (74). The Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986, state: “Silence zone is referred to as areas up to 100 metres around such premises as hospitals, educational institutions and courts. Use of vehicular horns, loudspeakers and bursting crackers shall be banned in these zones.” With the 10-day Ganesh festival, hospitals and nursing homes are finding it increasingly difficult to ensure comfort for patients. In Goregaon (East), a pandal stands in a residential society next to Guru Nanak Nursing Home. “Be it any festival, noise pollution has become a social problem. Patients admitted here are disturbed with loudspeakers blaring in the next society. This happens every year, though the noise levels are lower this year,” said medical director Dr Sudhir Naik. In Arogya Seva Kendra, superintendent Vinod Mankar said, “We are used to vehicular noise and loudspeakers playing. Everybody accepts it as a part of the festival and nobody complains.” The first two days’ noise level report prepared by Awaaz Foundation showed that rules were flouted in silence zones like Pedder Road, Grant Road and Juhu. On September 18, the noise levels reached 95 dB outside Lotus Eye Hospital in Juhu due to drums. At Breach Candy Hospital, the noise levels touched 92 dB following a Ganesh procession with a DJ. Abdulali has already received over 40 complaints from citizens on the ongoing festivities. “We will present the complaints to civic authorities and the chief minister,” she said. DCP Dhananjay Kulkarni said that loudspeaker licenses depend on areas demarcated as silence zones by the BMC. “Not all hospitals come under silence zones. Our local police are on the rounds to monitor that pandals in silence zones do not use loudspeakers,” he said. Deputy municipal commissioner Anand Wagaralkar said factors such as ensuring unhindered ambulance movement is verified before a license is issued to pandals near any hospital. tabassum.barnagarwala@expressindia.com Copyright © 2015 The Indian Express [P] Ltd. All Rights Reserved Indiatimes|The Times of India|The Economic Times|
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/Loud-bhajans-wake-up-sec-15-Vashi-residents-at-4am/articleshow/49028114.cms You are here: News Home » City » Navi Mumbai Loud bhajans wake up sec 15, Vashi residents at 4am Vijay Singh,TNN | Sep 20, 2015, 12.03 AM IST NAVI MUMBAI: Ever since Ganeshotsav began earlier this week, residents on Parmarth Niketan Marg, sector 15, Vashi are being woken up as early as 4am, as bhajans are being played on full volume by a religious body. The residents of several buildings on this road have often called up the police emergency number to complain about the noise pollution. Though the cops intervene to stop the loud music, the situation reportedly goes back to square one. "This lane is a silence zone, as there is a hospital here, along with a civic school. However, during festivals such as Ganeshotsav, Ekadashi and Navratri, our sleep is disturbed due to the loud music being played early in the morning. We are completely fed up of this situation," said a resident. The residents are now undertaking a signature campaign, to be submitted to the police and also Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), in order to establish peace and silence in their neighbourhood. "We have also video recorded the pre-dawn music blaring out and kept a log of the sound intensity during the day with the use of decibel meters. The noise level crossed over 65 decibels (dB) on Ganesh Chaturthi," said another harried local. The deputy commissioner of police (zone-I) Shahaji Umap said, on Saturday at a media briefing, that it has been a rather quiet festival. "We have not received any formal complaints. If citizens do submit their grievance, we will take action." Ajay Marathe, anti-noise activist, Awaaz Foundation said that to ensure a permanent solution to the noise problem, it is best if the affected residents submit a formal complaint to Vashi police. "The law enforcers will then have to take action, as per the Bombay high court order on this issue," he added. The founder of Awaaz Foundation, Sumaira Abdulali, had told TOI that the high court directions are quite clear — the sound levels must not cross the permissible levels during any festival of any religious group. Stay updated on the go with Times of India News App. Click here to download it for your device. Post a comment Recent Messages (1) B Awake•20640• •Unknown•4 days ago this is not a good trend that people can do anything in the name of religion. they should care about the people who live around the mandirs. 0 0 •Reply•Flag Copyright © 2014 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Blame-it-on-politics-Ganpati-Eid-see-more-noise-in-Mumbai/articleshow/49037239.cms
Indiatimes|The Times of India|The Economic Times| You are here: News Home » City » Mumbai » Blame it on politics: Ganpati, Eid see more noise in Mumbai Anahita Mukherji,TNN | Sep 20, 2015, 10.59 PM IST READ MORE Noise|Ganpati|Eid|Diwali|Awaaz Foundation MUMBAI: Noise levels during Diwali were ear-splitting, while Ganesh Chaturthi was among the quieter festivals, a decade ago. The reverse is true today. Diwali has grown quieter, while Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid have seen the highest noise levels. Politics, and not religion, may explain this. "Diwali is celebrated by individuals and families. Citizens have responded to years of activism on noise pollution, and brought down noise levels, opting for firecrackers that emit less sound. But Ganesh Chaturthi and Eid are celebrated at the community level, with politicians pumping in money. These festivals have, over the years, seen rising noise levels," said Sumaira Abdulali, noise pollution activist and founder of Awaaz Foundation, who has been recording noise levels during festivals for over a decade. When Abdulali began campaigning against noise pollution, she thought it would be harder to bring down levels during Diwali, as individuals would be tougher and more unwieldy to control. She thought it would be easier to reduce levels during festivals organized on a larger scale, as it would mean dealing with festival organisers and not individuals. But the common man was more conscious of the environment than politicians and religious groups. Nearly every noise reading by Awaaz Foundation during Diwali crossed 100dB in 2007; the highest was 130dB. Last year, levels around Diwali dropped drastically to 80-95dB. Only one recording (105.5dB) crossed 100dB in 2014. In 2013, less than 50% recordings during Eid-e-Milad crossed 100dB, while the maximum was 104.5. This year, the maximum recorded was 113dB. Levels routinely crossed 100dB. Meanwhile, 14 of 18 readings during Ganesh Chaturthi last year crossed 100dB. The maximum level recorded during the festival in 2014 was 114dB. The highest recorded during Ganesh Chaturthi in recent years was 123dB in 2013. A decade ago, levels during Ganesh Chaturthi were 80-87dB. Abdulali said the Supreme Court passed an order on noise limits between 10pm and 6am in 2005. "That was the year loudspeakers during Ganesh Chaturthi stopped at 10pm, and there was no early morning azaan," said Abdulali. "While Maharashtra followed the SC order that year, the state government subsequently petitioned the apex court, pointing to a ministry of environment & forests notification which allowed loudspeakers to be used till midnight for 15 days a year," she said. Abdulali had filed a petition in 2003 against the notification, as it contradicted itself, allowing loudspeakers till midnight while making it mandatory to comply with noise regulations. Her petition has been pending with the Bombay high court for 12 years. Post a comment Recent Messages (2) Sort By:Up VotedNewestOldestDiscussedDown Voted Indian•5438• •Mumbai•4 days ago What kind of Noise Pollution is there on Eid? Muslims dont put up Pandals on the Roads and Block Traffic and Inconvenience the Public in General 2 0 •Reply•Flag Bonnymoraes Moraes•24695• •Unknown•4 days ago I had always felt that Muslim festivals were less noisy compared to the festivals of other communities. Maybe they to have evolved to compete with others. After all a popularity of festival is measured by the noise pollution it creates. 1 0 •Reply•Flag Copyright © 2014 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service http://indianexpress.com/article/cities/pune/noise-pollution-rising-during-ganesh-festival-over-the-years/
Noise pollution rising during Ganesh festival over the yearsNoise levels have been consistently rising over the last decade. Written by Anuradha Mascarenhas | Pune | Published:September 13, 2015 3:42 am Noise pollution during the Ganesh festival has continued to increase over the years despite better public awareness. While improved technology has ensure that loudspeakers that are easily available and are relatively cheap, traditional instruments like dhol tasha and pakhwaj have come to dominate the festival over the last few years. This has added to the rising decibel levels, experts from College of Engineering Pune (COEP), Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) and officials from Pune Municipal Corporation said. According to noise pollution rules, the permissible decibel levels during the day is 50dB in silence zones and 55 dB in residential areas. This year, the MPCB plans to monitor nearly 20 locations during the Ganesh festival. Dr Mahesh Shindikar, member of the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority and assistant professor of applied sciences at COEP, along with his team will monitor noise levels at various points on Laxmi Road on the last day of the Ganesh festival while MPCB will monitor the locations during the last five days of the festival. Noise levels have been consistently rising over the last decade. The festival was noisiest in 2013, when average reading showed levels as high as 114.4 decibels, according to data from COEP. From 2001 till 2014, the COEP has been monitoring noise levels on the concluding day of the festival – during the immersion procession – and has found average noise levels ranging between 90 and 100 dB, Dr Shindikar said. However, Mahesh Suryavanshi, treasurer of Shreemant Dagdusheth Halwai Ganapati Trust, said there had been a strict implementation of rules and even mandals had been cooperating. There are at least 250 dhol tasha groups and we have requested Ganesh mandals to allow practice sessions just three weeks ahead of the Ganesh festival that commences on September 17, he said. Shrikant Pathak, DCP (special branch), said, “Each police station has been told to conduct regular checks and file cases if noise levels exceed permissible limits.” Meanwhile, Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of Awaaz Foundation, has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to ensure that measures are taken by the state to comply with decibel limits. Awaaz Foundation has requested residents to keep them informed on decibel levels (which can now be recorded on any smartphone) and effectiveness of police complaints/action. A dedicated Facebook page Citizens’ Noise Map allows interaction between complainants and overall monitoring of the implementation of court orders. Copyright © 2015 The Indian Express [P] Ltd. All Rights Reserved http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/navi-mumbai/Silent-zones-are-not-too-quiet-save-one-NMMC/articleshow/48938897.cms
Indiatimes|The Times of India|The Economic Times| You are here: News Home » City » Navi Mumbai Silent zones are not too quiet, save one: NMMC Priyanka Dhomse,TNN | Sep 13, 2015, 12.34 AM IST NAVI MUMBAI: The NMMC Environment Status Report, 2014-2015 reveals that Digha ward office has recorded the highest noise pollution level while Vashi ward office and Juhugaon recorded the lowest. The report also states that all silent zones under NMMC exceeded the average limit of 50dB levels except the one at CBD Belapur. The city consists of seven traffic areas, among which, Digha ward office has recorded the 69.88 dB—the highest noise pollution level among traffic areas. The Vashi ward office and Juhugaon have recorded the lowest—65.13dB, while the remaining traffic areas has recorded the noise levels between 65-70 dB. Lack of awareness, illegal parking on streets and unnecessary honking are the main reasons behind the increasing level of noise pollution in the city. "We can see most of public places like bus stops, markets, railway stations, schools and hospitals are witnessing illegal parking, leading to the traffic jams and honking. Often there is no need of honking yet the motorists continue to do so. Also, most autos are without silencers and the parking lots are not being fully utilized," said Ajay Marathe, anti-noise pollution activist, Vashi. The noise pollution report shows the residential area have crossed the permissible day (55dB) and night (45dB) standards (see box). Only Agroli SCADA control area has recorded the noise level of 54.75 dB, while other residential areas have noise levels recorded between 55-60 dB. To curb the noise pollution, the traffic department should be more alert as far as illegal parkings is concerned in public areas and at silence zones, said Sumaira Abdulali from Awaaz foundation. The RTO should check the noise level of horns and not allow multi-toned and pressure horns for the vehicles while the more parking lots should be made available to avoid traffic. "The city traffic department will run more awareness campaigns after Ganeshotsav. Action will also be taken on the illegally parked vehicles on busy streets to avoid the snarls and noise pollution," said Arvind Salve, DCP (Traffic). Copyright © 2014 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/At-105dB-noisiest-Dahi-Handis-at-Khar-Worli-Naka/articleshow/48862234.cms
Indiatimes|The Times of India|The Economic Times| You are here: News Home » City » Mumbai » 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. Post a comment Follow the Times of India - City section Search for News Search Recent Messages (1) Sort By:Up VotedNewestOldestDiscussedDown Voted 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. 0 1 •Reply•Flag 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 0 0 •Reply•Flag Copyright © 2014 Bennett, Coleman & Co. Ltd. All rights reserved. For reprint rights: Times Syndication Service http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-activists-frown-upon-cops-over-noise-pollution-2122903
Home » News » India » Mumbai Activists frown upon cops over noise pollution Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 7:55am IST | Agency: dna | From the print edition Activists, who measured sound levels across Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai on Sunday's Gokulashtami as a trial run to see not only the preparedness but also to test the implementation by police, were only dejected to find decibel levels being violated.
Activists are irked that with barely 10 days for Ganesh Utsav remaining, no numbers have been publicised by the state government accordance with court orders to receive complaints from citizens. The police department is responsible for keeping the decibel level in check. Rules demand that every police station should have decibel metres at their disposal. Activists, who measured sound levels across Mumbai, Thane and Navi Mumbai on Sunday's Gokulashtami as a trial run to see not only the preparedness but also to test the implementation by police, were only dejected to find decibel levels being violated. "Bombay High Court had directed that there has to be a dedicated toll-free number and email id on which people can register complaints regarding noise pollution and also an SMS kind of facility where they receive an immediate feedback as well as the complaint registration number. But Mumbai police did not make any such provisions for Gokulashtami and people were forced to use the police control room (100) number that should not ideally be used for making these complaints," said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of Awaaz Foundation. She added that only Navi Mumbai police gave out mobile numbers of policemen for complaining about noise pollution and also numbers to contact in case the complaints were addressed. Abdulali said that the high court has not given an option to the state government but directed it to implement various orders so that citizens do not suffer. But the police, according to her, still seems clueless. They were not seen using decibel meters to check the noise levels during the events. "I will write to the chief minister reminding him about a dedicated number. It has to be publicised before Ganesh Utsav for Mumbaikars. If Navi Mumbai can do it, then others can do it too," she said. Thane resident Dr Mahesh Bedekar, who has filed a public interest litigation raising concern over the nuisance created by various organisers of religious festivals regarding noise pollution and erection of pandals on streets and footpaths, said: "In fact, Thane police had come up with some number a month ago but they did not publicise it. So, no one in Thane knew where to complain." Bedekar informed that they would bring all this to light in court during the next hearing. "We do not want to give up hope. But it's sad. The attitude remains the same and irrespective of all the orders, the ground realities will not change. The common man will keep suffering from noise pollution," he added. Dipesh Tank, a resident of Malad, said that there should be some sort of a complaint redressal mechanism where one can complain. "Most of the people have no idea where to lodge complaints and call up Mumbai police control room. During the noisy festivals, it's extremely difficult to get across to them and there is no guarantee that the complaints will be taken seriously." When asked whether the police department has a dedicated website to cater to noise pollution related complaints, deputy commissioner of police and Mumbai police spokesperson Dhananjay Kulkarni said, "Existing facilities available with the police department are sufficient. We have a few dedicated helplines for senior citizens and women. Apart from that we also have 100, which is the main police control room number on which any nature of complaint or information, including non cognisable, can be shared and we give immediately feedback on the complaints. Also, online complaints can be lodged and information in this regard is available on the Mumbai police's website." ©2015 Diligent Media Corporation Ltd. Noise pollution: Activists call on citizens to post norm violation details on Facebook page9/8/2015 http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-noise-pollution-activists-call-on-citizens-to-post-norm-violation-details-on-facebook-page-2122934
Home » News » India » Mumbai Noise pollution: Activists call on citizens to post norm violation details on Facebook page Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 8:30am IST | Agency: dna | From the print edition During festivals, every citizen can map noise levels in his/her area and, if there is any violation, not only report it, but also post it on the Citizens' Noise Map page with date, time, decibel level details.
"We have created a Facebook page called Citizens' Noise Map; we want people to start using it actively. There is no need to buy any sound measuring device, all one has to do is download a simple app, like noise meter, on their smartphones and record the levels. If found high, they should lodge a complaint with the police and also post it on this page," said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of Awaaz Foundation that has been fighting against noise pollution. During festivals, every citizen can map noise levels in his/her area and, if there is any violation, not only report it, but also post it on this page with date, time, decibel level details. "We are fighting for a dedicated toll-free number, where citizens can lodge complaints specific to noise pollution. Even though the Bombay High Court has asked for this to be made available, it's yet to be done. But people should complain to either the local police station or the control room till then," suggested Abdulali. Besides location and source of noise, citizens have also been asked to post if any action was taken by the police on the complaint. "It will help us document the noise levels as well as the response, so that we can put it in front of the HC that is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on noise pollution during festivals. These details will help us strengthen our case to ask for stricter implementation and point out loopholes," said Dr Mahesh Bedekar, who runs a hospital in Thane, and has filed the PIL. According to activists fighting for strict implementation of noise pollution norms, construction work, loudspeakers during festivals and honking have been identified as the major contributors to noise pollution in Mumbai. Noise pollution not only causes hearing loss and ringing in the ears, but is also known to affect attention span, and cause stress, anxiety and even hypertension as well as cardiovascular problems. ©2015 Diligent Media Corporation Ltd. http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-fewer-events-not-adherence-to-norms-makes-dahi-handi-a-less-noisy-affair-2122928
Home » News » India » Mumbai Fewer events, not adherence to norms, makes Dahi Handi a less noisy affair Tuesday, 8 September 2015 - 8:25am IST | Agency: dna | From the print edition "In Mumbai, we found the highest decibel levels of 105dB and 100dB during evening, in Khar and where drums were used besides loudspeakers at Worli Naka.
Out with decibel meters in hand, anti-noise pollution activists on Sunday were pleasantly surprised to note that levels this Gokulashtami were lower than those recorded last year. It was, however, more because of the number of Dahi Handievents being less than people following the norms laid out for noise levels. "In Mumbai, we found the highest decibel levels of 105dB and 100dB during evening, in Khar and where drums were used besides loudspeakers at Worli Naka. Both these functions were organised by political parties, as were almost all events using loudspeakers. Also, the height restriction on human pyramids too was violated at functions organised by political parties, with children seen on the top tiers," said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of Awaaz Foundation, adding that noise pollution levels were monitored by Dr Mahesh Bedekar in Thane and activist Ajay Marathe in Navi Mumbai. "In Thane, there were a lot of violations as most events were organised by local politicians; hence, even the police were mere spectators. At Jambhali Naka, the road towards station was completely blocked and noise recorded was around 90dB, while at Tembhi Naka, the road towards Thane Civil Hospital was blocked and two mandaps were erected. At Sankalp, the approach road was blocked, with the mandap covering more than half of it," said Bedekar, who has filed a public interest litigation on noise pollution during festivals and also raised the issue of pandals erected by organisers without requisite permission from the Bombay High Court. Marathe said that normally Dahi Handi is a grand affair in Navi Mumbai, but, it seems, due to the NCP backing out there were hardly any events to be seen. "I travelled from Airoli to Belapur, covering most parts of Navi Mumbai, but did not find any major violations. The credit also goes to the Navi Mumbai police, especially Vashi police station that put up numbers of senior police officers from the anti-noise pollution cell," said Marathe. Andheri resident Rajesh Sharma said, "This year, the fanfare was far less than previous years, and yet, at certain locations, there was problems because the organisers had placed huge speakers. I hope that due to fear of the HC order, Ganesh mandals follow noise level norms." ©2015 Diligent Media Corporation Ltd. |
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