​Mumbai cops learn how to keep noise down during Ganeshotsav

​Mumbai cops learn how to keep noise down during Ganeshotsav
HT Correspondent, Hindustan Times, Mumbai
|
Updated: Sep 03, 2015 22:11 IST
As Mumbai prepares to celebrate its favourite festival, the police have started getting trained to handle cases of noise pollution during Ganeshotsav. Anti-noise campaigners, in a bid to keep noise levels under control, trained more than 70 police personnel on Wednesday.
Representatives from 20 police stations across Navi Mumbai attended the session at the Kalamboli police headquarters.
Noise pollution rules and the Bombay high court orders that need to be implemented during the festival were discussed.
“The police personnel were enthusiastic, as we spoke to them about how noisy processions can affect the health of residents,” said Sumaira Abdulali, the convener of Awaaz foundation, which conducted the session.
Abdulali and Ajay Marathe from the NGO also got the officers familiar with the Environment Protection Act (EPA) and how to take readings on decibel metres in public places and private spaces.
“Noise levels can be recorded from anywhere, when it comes to loudspeakers in public places,” said Marathe, adding, the police were also briefed about details of various court orders, including a 2005 Supreme Court order that said loudspeakers cannot be used after 10pm.
“We learnt how to record decibel levels and cleared doubts about carrying out investigations in such cases,” said Atish Wagh, assistant police inspector, Navi Mumbai police training centre.
 
Wagh said this year, the police will get tough on mandals flouting noise rules.
“If caught, mandals will get 60 days to respond and if their response is not satisfactory, an FIR will be filed against the mandal owners.”
Tags
Ganeshotsav
Noise pollution during Ganeshotsav Mumbai
Ganpati
Bombay high court