Noise pollution menace: Vadgaon residents constant struggle for peace, health issues; demand relief
By: Pune Pulse
September 28, 2023
Pune: Many residents of the Vadgaon Sheri area have been troubled by loud noises during festivals, events etc. since a long time.
As per information, the excessive use of loudspeakers and DJs has become a norm, disrupting the peace and tranquility of homes and public spaces. Not only does it cause inconvenience, but it also contributes to an increase in crime rates.
The continuous playing of loud music late into the night has created an environment where criminal activities thrive. The noise acts as a cover for nefarious activities like drug peddling, fights, and thefts. It becomes challenging for law enforcement agencies to monitor and respond effectively when the noise levels are so high. Moreover, the sleep deprivation caused by noise pollution affects the mental health and productivity of the residents, making them vulnerable to various health issues. Moreover, the noise pollution complaints are not acted upon seriously by police thus resulting in serious repeated offenses.
When concerned citizens approach the event organizers or local authorities to request relief from the noise, they are met with hostility and, at times, even assaulted physically. This is unacceptable and raises questions about the role of the authorities in ensuring the safety and well-being of their constituents.
In the past, Maharashtra had implemented a ban on loudspeakers after 10 PM, which provided much-needed respite to the residents. However, it seems that this rule is no longer being enforced, and loudspeakers continue to play music late into the night.
As per data provided by Dr Mahesh Shindikar, HOD, Department of Applied Sciences and Humanities, COEP Technological University, Pune, during Ganesh Visarjan processions on Laxmi Road, the average sound levels have increased manifolds in the year 2022 with Kunte Chowk recording the highest sound levels of 105.2 db during Ganesh Visarjan processions as compared to 113.1 db in 2021 where 59.8 db average sound level was there.
From 2001 to 2022, the following are the average sound levels (db) during Ganesh Visarjan processions on Laxmi Road:
· 2001 – 90.7 db
· 2002 – 90.9 db
· 2003 – 91.5 db
· 2004 – 92.8 db
· 2005 – 94.1 db
· 2006 – 96.2 db
· 2007 – 102.6 db
· 2008 – 101.4 db
· 2009 – 79.14 db
· 2010 – 100.9 db
· 2011 – 87.4 db
· 2012 – 104.2 db
· 2013 – 109.3 db
· 2014 – 96.3 db
· 2015 – 96.6 db
· 2016 – 92.6 db
· 2017 – 90.9 db
· 2018 – 90.4 db
· 2019 – 86.2 db
· 2020 – 59.8 db
· 2021 – 59.8 db
· 2022 – 105.2 db
Speaking to Pune Pulse, Dr Kalyani Mandake, Audiologist, Mandake Hearing Services, Sadashiv Peth said, “It is a general perception that only loud noises or sounds entering our ears are responsible for hearing-related illnesses. However, that’s not the case. What happens is when anyone goes to a location where loud noise is playing continuously, our entire body starts reacting to it. Recently, a person died because of the loud sound during a Ganeshotsav celebration. His heart wasn’t able to bear that much sound. Hence, the noise levels at a festival or any other event must be very low or within the prescribed limit.”
Pune Pulse tried contacting the relevant Police officials but couldn’t connect till this report was filed.
