Activists urge citizens to monitor noise levels in Mumbai

Even as widespread confusion reigns over silence zones this year, anti-noise pollution activists ahead of festivals are urging citizens to monitor noise levels in their localities, meanwhile the body representing Ganesh mandals across Mumbai has urged the mandals to follow to keep decibel levels in limit.

"The State Government and BMC will take the issue of noise pollution seriously only if they know that citizens are worried about the health impacts of noise pollution and hence lodging complaints and following it up was important. More and more people should monitor noise levels and use all mediums available including social media to file their complaints incase of violations," said Sumaira Abdulali, Convenor of Awaaz Foundation.

She said there are several noise level measuring applications available for smartphones that can be used to understand noise levels and citizens should remember that the limit for noise levels is not only limited to silence zones but also residential zones. "Complainant should record noise levels, note the time and if possible take an image or small video footage to file complaint," said Abdulali.

Naresh Dahibhavkar, President, Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Samanvay Samiti (BSGSS) that represents 11000 sarvajanik ganesh mandals in Mumbai said that from last year itself they have banned DJ. "We have asked mandals to respect the noise levels and use only traditional music instruments. This year there are 110 silence zones and hence all mandals have been asked to ensure that there are no violations of silence zones and the High Court order," he said.