HC to decide on steps to curb noise pollution

With the festive fervour on in full swing, the Bombay high court on Wednesday summoned senior officials from the home department, Thane Municipal Corporation, Thane police and the traffic department to chalk out a plan of action to address issues of noise pollution and traffic chaos.

With the festive fervour on in full swing, the Bombay high court on Wednesday summoned senior officials from the home department, Thane Municipal Corporation, Thane police and the traffic department to chalk out a plan of action to address issues of noise pollution and traffic chaos.

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The court was hearing a petition filed by a Thane based doctor last year contending that the festival will cause noise pollution and disruption of traffic. He had urged the court to direct the authorities to carry out a noise mapping and monitoring with noise meters. The court had appointed a committee to frame guidelines and recommendations to deal with the matter.

The petitioner Mahesh Bhedekar’s lawyer told the court that the committee has met only once during the entire year. Bhedekar also sought a restriction on music played by DJs.

The division bench of justice Ranjana Desai and justice RG Ketkar expressed displeasure and sought to know why the committee has not met.

Justice Desai, however, wanted to know what DJ stands for and whether they should be restricted from playing music during the festivities.

“I don’t know what DJ means. But my brother judge has some idea about it,” justice Desai said in a lighter vein, adding, “I will first understand what a DJ does and then decide what needs to be done.”

Assistant government pleader Rajesh Behre, however, said that the Supreme Court guidelines are being followed in the case. The case will be heard on Thursday.