Festivals to break Mumbai’s silence?

Police need to be given training to enforce noise rules in city
Rules were notified by the Union government to protect the health of citizens and are based on WHO health safety levels. The rules, if redefined, would not be restricted to only one festival but would operate throughout the year, causing continuous health hazards to most residents of Mumbai.

It would benefit only those who celebrate a particular festival which has been politicised over the years. Noise from traffic is still high, but peak noise levels have reduced as loudspeakers are being regulated in silence zones, thanks to increased police vigilance.

Many mandals have cooperated in the enforcement of silence zones, and have appreciated the need to maintain a peaceful environment. However, loudspeakers from religious places still continue as early as 3.30am as the police enforcement is completely lacking. The police also need training in the use of decibel meters which are available with them from this year for the first time. They need training to enforce noise rules. If political interference is reduced, most organisers would co operate with enforcement of noise rules for the entire year. A major hurdle is lack of political will to enforce rules.
Sumaira Abdulali, convener, AWAAZ Foundation

Mandals should ensure that others don’t get disturbed
Ganesha Chaturthi is a national festival. It’s a 10-day festival and we should enjoy it rather than being bothered about insignificant issues. If the government tries to implement any ruling then obviously the Ganesha mandals will have to act accordingly. All the mandals should voluntarily handle the issue and make sure that the neighbourhood doesn’t get disturbed because of the music.

There shouldn’t be any problem in playing religious songs and bhajans. I feel that Bollywood songs which have no relevance with the festival should be banned. Due to the blaring noise of loudspeakers, students and even elderly people suffer during the festival. But, if today’s educated youth decides to act wisely and responsibly, we can tackle noise pollution. I am against the decision of redefining silence zone norms for this festival.
Baba Kulkarni, Chitalewadi Sarvajanik Ganesha Mandal, Vile Parle

Unfair to relax deadlines for one festival
Ganesha Chaturthi is one of the most eagerly awaited festival in the state. However, it doesn’t imply that we relax the silence zone norms for a particular festival. At present, we are not adhering to the deadlines that are applicable for silence zones. It isn’t fair to relax the deadlines for one festival despite it being a  time of revelry for the whole city. This may lead to unnecessary controversy and people might demand the same for other festivals as well. I think its best to stick to the norms that are already set rather than redefine the rules and silence zone.
Malay Shah, student

Noise pollution adds to the stress level
I will definitely not support the suggestion of relaxing norms for silence zones near educational institutes. Schools and colleges are the epitome of social upbringing for the young generation and discipline should be prevalent there. Festivals should be celebrated but excess of anything is harmful. As a city, we are definitely ignoring the importance of noise-free zones. It adds on to the stress levels of the city and hospitals, and schools and colleges are badly affected due to high levels of noise-pollution.
Reedisha Varma, assistant manager

There is nothing wrong with relaxing rules
Religion and festivities play an important role in India. Therefore, I don't think there is anything wrong is relaxing the silence zones rules for festivals like the Ganesha Chaturthi. Also, the society at large isn't disturbed. The Ganesha festival brings together people from all communities and of different strata together. It is one of the biggest festivals and should be celebrated at a large scale. If such alterations are needed, then I don't think it should create a problem or anyone should object.
Kailash Vora, student

Educate people about ill-effects of noise pollution
During festivals such as Diwali and Ganesha Chaturthi, noise pollution almost doubles. It is sufficient to create irritability, rise in blood pressure and heart disease. Fireworks also generate poisonous gases which cause respiratory diseases, but during festivals one can't even avoid such activities. So, rules and regulations should be set for firing crackers and playing loud music. People should be educated about the ill-effects of such activities. However, I think that the visarjan is incomplete without the procession.
Akshata Biyani, executive