Shiv Sena to install noise barriers at Dussehra rally

Following the Bombay high court's judgment over maintaining the noise level of 50 decibel during Dussehra rally today, the Shiv Sena has decided to install noise barriers in central Mumbai's Shivaji Park ground, which falls under the silence zone.

"We would have noise barriers across the ground at certain distance to maintain the noise level of 50 decibels. The party has taken help from technical experts to do so," a Sena leader said.

Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally, which has been a static feature for over last four decades, this year will have an added attraction.

For the first time, three generations of Thackerays would share the dais as the party is all set to launch 'Yuva Sena', to be helmed by Aditya, grandson of Sena chief Bal Thackeray.

Earlier, city police, citing silence zone norms, had denied permission to the historic rally, held at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai, following which the party moved the high court.

The court asked the police and municipal authorities to allow Sena's rally at the same place but said the organisers must abide by Noise Pollution Control Rules, 2010. As per the rules, noise level cannot exceed 50 decibel in silence zones.

With technical support the sainiks would be able to hear their leader this year.

The Sena chief was absent for the rally last year due to health problems and a video footage of his speech was shown.

In 2008, heavy rains forced the party to cancel the rally.

"In a grand function, the party would launch Yuva Sena, youth wing of the party which would be led by 20-year-old Aditya," a senior party leader said.