'Citizens should insist on quieter celebrations'

As festivals get noisier by the year, anti-noise activists have highlighted the role that citizens can play in improving the situation in the future. Nikhil M Ghanekar reports.

As festivals get noisier by the year, anti-noise activists have highlighted the role that citizens can play in improving the situation in the future.

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Activists said citizens should demand quieter celebrations and put pressure on the police to enforce noise pollution rules.

"People have to take a stand and tell mandals and others involved that they want celebrations that are legal and don't cause harm to other's health. The story of Shivaji Park [which was declared a silence zone by the high court after a campaign by residents] is an example where local residents decided to not allow political rallies," said Abdulali.

According to experts, continuous exposure to noise in the range of 100 decibel (dB) - 110dB can result in senserineural or irreversible hearing loss. This year, the noise-levels were as high as 121.4 dB during the Ganesh festival.

"People encouraging devotees to revel in loud celebrations are keeping mum on the health hazards of noise pollution. Such noise levels can cause hearing loss, irritation and even cardiac arrest," said Dr.Mahesh Bedekar, an anti-noise activist and gynaecologist.

Mushrooming of pandals at every street and corner has added to his. "Political leaders from the same locality can discourage mushrooming of new mandals and organise a unified celebration to reduce noise levels," said Bedekar.