Citizens up in arms about sound pollution

HUBBALLI: The Ganesha festival is over and around this time every year, there are discussions on environmental pollution caused by idols, crackers and other material. However, this time, a group of citizens have rai sed their voice against DJ sets used during immersion processions which play music at high decibels. They have approached police commissionerate along with Supreme Court order that bans use of loudspeakers at night.
Sudheendra Hangal, an entrepreneur, who raised objections on the Facebook page of the Hubballi-Dharwad Pragati Sankalp (HDPS), submitted a grievance online to police commissioner Pandurang H Rane. "Since the beginning of the Ganesh festival, life in Dharwad has become unbearable at night. We heard blaring music till 4am, not allowing anyo ne to sleep. Old people and patients are particularly inconvenienced. The Supreme Court has issued strict guidelines about the use of loudspeakers. Has any special permission been sought to run loudspeakers beyond the prescribed time? What can you to do to stop this desecration of the Ganesh festival?" he shared in his complaint.
Another member of HDPS, Vivekananda Salins, commented that SC guidelines should be followed for all festivals of different religions. "It's not important which community is making more noise. However, people, particularly old aged, patients and children, of all communities should be rescued from this menace," he said.
Social activist Hemant Panchal said loud music is causing a lot of harm. "Attempts to impose a ban on DJs are on in Uttar Pradesh, Telangana and police in many cities have already imposed it. Hubballi-Dharwad police should ensure it at least by the time of next such festivals," he said.
Sumant Hugar, a techie, said he was stunned by sound pollution at 3am on Friday. "When I checked it with an app on my cellphone, I found it was 90 decibels. I doubt any agency is considering this issue seriously," he added.
HDPS convener Santosh Nargund said the Karnataka Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) has been issuing directions. "It had directed local administrations to prevent sound pollution in its circular of March 28, 2014. However, Hubballi police never follow such directions," he said.