Average 129.8 dB sound level recorded at Laxmi Road chowks during September 28 & 29, says data
Pune: COEP Technological University, Pune conducted a detailed survey of the sound levels during processions at Chowks of Laxmi Road on September 28 & 29.
As per entire data & information shared by Dr Mahesh Shindikar, HOD, Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, COEP Technological University, Pune, a few years ago, due to the terrible challenge of Coronavirus, necessary restrictions were placed on the Ganesh procession ceremony. However, after the severity of the pandemic went down, the processions started again in a fearless atmosphere.
This year’s Ganesh idol immersion procession once again featured the traditional ‘dhol-tasha’ and DJs. Hence, COEP Technological University recorded key observations and sound level statistics in every four hours on September 28 and September 29 this year at 10 major chowks of Lakshmi Road, where the main procession concluded this year.
This year’s overall noise was the highest recorded (105.2 decibels on average). For two times, Lakshmi Road crossed the day & night sound decibel rule average everywhere. Residents opined that the atmosphere here was very unbearable for two days.
Here are some features of sound level measurement:
1) Calculation is done with spatio-temporal and scientific methods.
2) Noise level of 24 hours and 10 chowks on Lakshmi road is reviewed. The said activity has been done regularly for the last 22 years with the same discipline and participation of students.
3) All these observations are used only for study, awareness and research purposes.
4) Not taking these notes with reference to any source but by standing on the road during the procession. It registers the sound that falls on the ear of a common man.
5) Major observations recorded during the annual procession are compulsorily recorded.
The past few years have seen an increase in awareness among activists and devotees about noise pollution, as has the process of measuring noise levels.
The noise level detected at 10 major chowks of Lakshmi Road during 28th & 29th September are as follows (db):
| Chowk Name | 28th September | 28th September | 28th September | 29th September | 29th September | 29th September | Average Levels |
| 12 pm | 4 pm | 8pm | 12 am | 4 am | 8 am | ||
| Belbag | 98.4 | 112.0 | 83.2 | 96.2 | 96.9 | 119.0 | 100.9 |
| Ganpati | 108.4 | 113.4 | 116.0 | 87.2 | 96.4 | 116.4 | 106.3 |
| Limbraj | 112.7 | 101.2 | 111.0 | 104.1 | 81.7 | 125.6 | 106.0 |
| Kunte | 108.4 | 114.2 | 123.9 | 91.8 | 87.3 | 118.9 | 107.4 |
| Umbarya | 109.8 | 103.2 | 107.2 | 86.3 | 91.6 | 120.8 | 103.1 |
| Gokhale | 98.2 | 104.0 | 117.3 | 87.0 | 77.0 | 115.4 | 99.8 |
| Shedge Vithoba | 85.2 | 98.3 | 119.4 | 85.1 | 75.8 | 115.3 | 96.5 |
| Holkar | 82.9 | 105.8 | 118.5 | 94.4 | 81.7 | 116.0 | 99.9 |
| Tilak | 86.4 | 90.9 | 119.1 | 94.7 | 91.5 | 117.8 | 100.0 |
| Khandojibaba | 96.6 | 83.6 | 115.5 | 62.9 | 62.9 | 119.9 | 90.2 |
| Average | 100.2 | 102.7 | 113.1 | 89.0 | 84.3 | 118.5 | 101.3 |
The Lowest Sound Level recorded is 49.0 db (4 AM). Highest Level recorded is 129.8 db (Khandojibaba Chowk 8 PM).
Following are the limits given by Central Pollution Board:
| Daytime (db) (6 am to 10 pm) | Night Time (db) (10 pm to 6 am) | |
| Industrial Area | 75 | 70 |
| Business Area | 65 | 55 |
| Residential Area | 55 | 45 |
| Peace Zone | 50 | 40 |
