Mumbai: Navratri celebrations this year recorded noise levels above 90 decibels at many places. The Awaaz Foundation, which observes noise levels during festivals, stated that the highest noise level of 98.6 decibels was recorded at the garba celebrations in Kora Kendra, Borivali at 11.30pm. While the Awaaz Foundation recorded decibel levels at three major places where garba celebrations were held, the NGO highlighted that it also received complaints regarding excessively noisy celebrations from various residential societies.
The garba celebrations at late Shri Pramod Mahajan Sports Complex in Chikuwadi, Borivali, which was graced by Falguni Pathak, recorded noise levels at 98.2 dB. Another reading was taken at the celebrations near Kandivali Link Road, where decibel levels touched 94.4 dB.
“Navratri is usually held within private spaces such as housing societies and it is heartening to know that citizens have been proactive this year in making numerous complaints to the police when decibel levels were violated. It is evident from multiple complaints at some locations that enforcement mechanisms have sometimes proved inadequate and much more needs to be done on a continuous basis to ensure enforcement of rules and court orders,” said Sumaira Abdulali, founder of Awaaz Foundation.
Dussehra celebrations by political parties also exceeded the standard noise levels as many rallies recorded decibel readings up to 88 decibels. Meanwhile, Mumbai police stated that many residential areas recorded noise levels within the permissible limits, however the noise norms were flouted at some places, especially the slum areas. “This year we had lesser violations by the residential societies. We had taken proactive measures by alerting the local police stations to check upon soaring noise levels and implement the court’s orders,” said a senior official from Mumbai Police.
