Noise activists to monitor Navratri

It’s the time of the year when Mumbaikars put on their dancing shoes and step out of their homes in colourful attire to participate in Navratri festivities. However, for others, nine continuous nights Dandiya only bring sleeplessness and buzzing ears, due to loudspeakers used till the wee hours of the night.

For Andheri resident Sariska Mishra, it has been a constant battle against her society members, who do not abide by the 10pm deadline during the nine-day festival. “Loudspeakers are used till 12pm or 1am inside my building complex. I have elderly parents at home, who get disturbed with the noise. Even my pets get scared,” she complained.

However, according to anti-noise pollution activist Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation, Navratri organisers can use loudspeakers beyond the 10pm deadline on two days - the 7th and the 9th day. “I had filed an application under the Right to Information Act, and got the reply that organisers can extend the deadline beyond 10pm only on two days. Residents, if disturbed, can register a complaint with the police and get a complaint number. The cops will start proceedings against the violators,” she said.

The noise level during the festival exceeds 95decibel, which is way beyond what the human ear can tolerate. Abdulali, who has been measuring noise levels during Janmashtami, Ganesh Visarjan, Diwali and Navratri for the past few years, feels Navratri celebrations are on a much lower key. “I have noticed that since the past few years, most major organisers stick to anti-noise pollution norms and do not have pandals near silence zones,” she said.

According to her, Janmashtami saw the highest level of noise offenders as compared to other festivals. “Offenses increase with involvement of political parties. Since Navratri celebrations are organised by non-political groups, they tend to abide the rules,” Abdulali added.