Noisy Navratri to get noisier this week

Noise levels have remained high through the first six days of the Navratri festival and if they are an indication of things to come, Mumbaiites need to be prepared for two deafening nights on Tuesday and Wednesday, the final two days of festivities.

Noise levels have remained high through the first six days of the Navratri festival and if they are an indication of things to come, Mumbaiites need to be prepared for two deafening nights on Tuesday and Wednesday, the final two days of festivities. The deadline for playing music has been extended up to midnight, from the usual 10pm, for these two days.

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On Saturday, HT reporters visited seven Navratri venues — five in the western suburbs and two in the eastern suburbs — along with activists Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of Awaaz Foundation, and Sudhir Badami, a civil engineer. Noise levels of 101dB were recorded at three venues — Kalidas ground in Mulund, near Nahur station, and Hanuman Nagar in Borivli.

As per the rules, the maximum decibel level permitted in a residential area is 55dB before 10pm and 45dB post the deadline.