Speak up Mumbai: Waging a war on noise this Ganesh Chaturthi

Every year the last day of Ganpati celebration breaks all noise level records in the city. However, this Ganesh visarjan is going to be a quiet one. The Bombay High Court refused to grant interim relief to allow the use of DJ and Dolby sound system during Ganapti visrajan, until September 19.

The court while refusing any relief noted that it cannot be a mute spectator to the ground realities and the police are not well-equipped to curb noise pollution. It is monitoring compliance of it's order passed in 2016, which held that it's is the fundamental right of citizens to live in a pollution free environment, which includes noise pollution.

Clarifying that it is not against any religious practice, the HC stated that it just wants to ensure proper implementation of rules. It has also warned the authorities of action under contempt of court if rules are not complied with. The police across the state have been equipped with decibel meters. Citizens can lodge their complaints along wuth evidence to the police who are supposed to attend them promptly.

VOICES

We welcome the High Court's decision to ban the use of Disc Jockeys and Dolby sound system during visarjan. However, this rule should not be limited to Ganpati festival. We also expect the same to be followed during other festivals and functions, be it a political one or a religious one. There are many occasions like marriage which turn into a full blown noisy event disturbing everybody around. The court as well as the government need to look into it.
— Anshu Dokania, Ghatkopar

I don't mean to harm religious sentiments, but I don't think Lord Ganesha likes 'Munni Badnaam Hui' or any mainstream item numbers from Bollywood. I understand the plight of DJs, but I don't think they should cash in on such pious festivals. Let the gods be in peace, so be the civilians. Lokmanya Tilak started this gathering of people in the name of religion so that people could come together and fight the British Raj. The current situation is not something he would have liked.
— Taha Sayed, Mazgaon resident.

I welcome court's stay on loud DJs and Dolby during Ganesh processions. Everyone has the right to live in a peaceful environment. Today, noise pollution has become a pivotal part of any celebration, be it a festival or marriage. There's nothing wrong in indulging oneself, especially during occasions, but it is also important to ensure your indulgence does nor prove to be an inconvenience for anyone.
— Robin S, Kalbadevi

Well, it is a welcome move keeping in mind the rising noise levels in the city. However, implementing the ban only on Ganesh Pandals and procession is unfair. Ritual prayers and religious utsav's using loudspeakers should also be brought under the blanket ban. Horn honking in the city is rather more deafening than the noise of DJ's and sound systems during the festivals. So, the court ban only on Ganesh Pandals and procession is unfair. I am a resident of Princess street; the ear-splitting noise of traffic horns in Kalbadevi area has turned me deaf.
— Bhavini Suresh Rathod, Kalbadevi

Festivals are losing their religious and spritual vibes. They have turned into a disco, with loud Bollywood music which has nothing to do with the festival. The screeching noise levels have made the lives of people near the Ganesh pandals unbearable. The music that they play is neither soothing nor nice. I have seen people who claim to have no money all year round, waste money on this during Ganesh festivals. I find it absolutely meaningless.
— Asha Dusija, Cuffe Parade

It certainly is a welcome move, I think even Bappa would be welcoming the decision after looking at the kind of nuisance created under the name of celebration. Why not have dhol, nagada? Ganesh Utsav is not a rave party or clubbing place, it is a festival of togetherness. The verdict has ensured that the decorum of the festival is maintained and the decision is worth being praised.
— Digant Desai, Charni Road

Every year we are addressing challenges posed during the Ganapati festivals. Few years ago it was about celebrating the festival in an eco-friendly way. Awareness in people in this regard has increased. The verdict on DJ ban is a welcome move in the light of the unnecessary noise pollution during visarjans. The verdict shall be a counter response to those who take environment and noise pollution problems for granted. No festival is more important than the environment. And if we keep taking such positive steps, the Ganpati festival will be celebrated in true senses.
— Sameer Mistry, Malad

No, I don't think it's right for the court to deny DJs and high output sound systems.This festival is heart and soul of every Indian. It comes once a year allows everyone to let down their hair and enjoy to the fullest dancing on the road, being themselves, enjoying with their friends and family and that's pure happiness. Festival is all about celebrating,making great memories and one should cherish it and enjoy it to the fullest.
— Aishwarya Abhinav Bakane, Thane

EXPERT SPEAK

The blanket ban on DJ sound system is not supported by any authority of law. Thus, it should be allowed with reasonable restrictions. The rights of people to carry on trade occupation, business, is being violated because of the ban imposed by the government. In my opinion, the ban should be revoked as there is no legal sanctity to it.
— Advocate S B Talekar, appearing for the Professional Audio & Lighting Association

We represent 11000 sarvajanik ganesh mandals in Mumbai and currently, more than 90 per cent of mandals have not been opting for DJs since 2017. We have asked our members to respect and adhere to the order on DJ and high-volume sound systems. We are encouraging mandals to shift to traditional musical instruments. We have asked them to follow the noise levels norms mandated for silence zones and support Mumbai police by not getting into an altercation with them over noise issue.
— Naresh Dahibavkar, President of BSGSS