Ganeshotsav 2012: Noise rules violated; expect louder 'visarjans'

Expect noisier Ganpati visarjans on Tuesday and Saturday — the seventh and last day of immersions. 

Reason: The state government’s “misleading statements” about the subscribed noise levels and deadline for playing music have confused the Mumbai police and festival organisers. And this encouraged the violation of noise limit norms, claimed a report on noise pollution prepared by Sumaira Abdulali of the NGO Awaaz Foundation. The report was released on Sunday.

In her report, copies of which were sent to the chief minister and senior government officials, Abdulali said, “It appears that the publicised and misleading statements of various government leaders have contributed to the high decibel levels with confusion among the revellers and police regarding the permissible decibel limits, time limit and days of relaxation.”

According to the report, the noise levels this Ganeshotsav reached the highest recorded level at 115dB. And, thus, the seriousness of the issue has increased manifold, Abdulali added. “But there were fewer DJs this year,” she added.

According to the data compiled by Abdulali, the maximum and minimum decibel levels recorded in 2011 across different immersion spots in the city were 78dB and 105 dB, respectively. The corresponding figures for 2012 are 90.2dB and 115dB, respectively. Both the decibel levels were recorded at places without loudpeakers and only drums. There was an exceptional case of 793 db near Century Bazaar, thanks to a DJ playing loud music.

While the previous years’ figures were taken over several days, this year’s figures were taken just on the fifth day (Sunday) and thus point to the possibility of an increase in decibel levels for the other days.

The report also questioned the seriousness of the government in implementing norms.

“The statements of state leaders that all previous noise pollution cases would be withdrawn in one Maharashtra city and the apparent confusion on the part of the police on the ground applicability of noise rules raises serious concerns about the intent of the government to enforce noise rules in accordance with directives of the Supreme Court and Bombay high court.”

“Many constables, who were expected to enforce decibel limits and time deadlines, appeared unaware of the rules. They gave me various answers about the time up to which musical instruments would be permitted, ranging from 6-7am, 3am, midnight and 10pm,” she said.

But deputy commissioner of police Nisar Tamboli denied Abdulali’s allegations. “This claim is untrue. Proper information is always given to the field officers and they are aware of the timings and instructions of the Act and courts,” he said.

When asked what the state could do to rein in the increasing noise levels, Abdulali told DNA: “Unless the government issues a notification clarifying the norms, the violations will continue as there is lack of clarity.”