Despite loudspeaker ban, noise levels still highest post 10 pm

Noise pollution levels on Friday, the seventh day of Ganpati, seemed more or less the same as that recorded two days ago. However, like all previous days, the highest decibel levels were recorded post 10 pm, after which the use of loudspeakers is not allowed.

As per the findings of NGO Awaaz Foundation, which works on issues related to noise pollution, the maximum decibel level stood at 107.1 dB. The figure was recorded near Juhu Gardens by Dr G Kolhatkar. On the fifth day of immersion, the highest figure stood at 107.2 dB. Noise from loudspeakers, dhols, DJ gigs and firecrackers are taken into consideration while recording noise pollution. The survey is done from Grant Road in south Mumbai up to Juhu in the western suburbs.

Unfortunately, the celebrations are consistently at their loudest after 10 pm. The recordings indicated that at any point, noise levels was never less than 84 dB. Of the 35 places where noise levels were measured, 12 places recorded 100 dB or more.

"Some of these areas include spots near hospitals which are considered to be silence zones. It is clear that the authorities do not act after 10 pm, which is why the noise levels are high there," said Sumaira Abdulali of the Awaaz Foundation. Close to midnight, decibel levels near Nanavati Hospital stood at 93.3 dB, way beyond the accepted levels of 40 dB (silence zones between 10 pm and 6 am).

Permissible decibel levels in city

Silence Zone:

6 am to 10 pm – 50 DB

10 pm to 6 am – 40 dB

Residential areas:

6 am to 10 pm – 55 dB

10 pm to 6 am – 45 dB

Commercial areas:

6 am to 10 pm – 65 dB

10 pm to 6 am – 55 dB