After the 10 days of celebration,
The two organisations that recorded the level of noise pollution in the city during the 10-day Ganeshotsav, have come out with some interesting data. Awaaz Foundation, an NGO, noticed a drastic drop in the noise pollution level this year compared last year. Meanwhile, the Maharashthra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) observed that the maximum levels were marginally up by a decibel. The readings, however, were more than the maximum levels permitted in almost all cases.
As per MPCB, the maximum decibels noted this year was 99dB, one dB, more than last year.
Awaaz recorded higher decibel levels as compared to MPCB, and found it to be 114 dB, much less than last year's 123 dB. MPCB readings seem to be uniformly low compared those of Awaaz.
MPCB recorded noise levels at 25 places while Awaaz covered 19 places. According to MPCB, noise pollution didn't cross 100 dB at any place. But as per Awaaz data, at almost 14 places, the noise levels were higher than 100 dB.
MPCB took the average of noise pollution. In 2013, the average minimum and maximum were 56 dB and 83 dB, respectively. In 2014, it stood at 69 dB and 90 dB, respectively.
The maximum noise pollution recorded by MPCB was on LT Road in Borivili west. Awaaz's highest reading was at Linking Road. MPCB recorded the noise level between 6pm and midnight, with no specific timing (hourly) being attributed to the recordings. Awaaz recorded between 8pm and 11 pm. Pollution recordings made after 10pm (when use of loudspeakers were not allowed) continued to find a mention in Awaaz's recordings.
"Decibel levels from traditional instruments were higher than the sound created by DJs. The highest noise pollution was from drums. The best part was that the midnight deadline was effectively reinforced this year. Loudspeakers were switched off by 12.15am, and in political booths by about 12.35am (at Girgaum Chowpatty)," said Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation.
"We will send the report to the home department, police and various municipals corporations, as we do not have any power to take action," said Sanjay Buskute, PRO, MPCB.
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