Pune News : Kalyani Nagar residents demand explanation from Pune Police over inaction on noise pollution complaints
Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar (TSKN), the active residents’ body in Kalyani Nagar, Pune and Koregaon Park Residents Welfare Association (KPRWA) joined forces with a volunteer youth group ‘New Kalyani Nagar Residents’ and organised a noise pollution awareness programme titled “Voice Against Noise” at the Joggers Park Library, Kalyani Nagar, on 19 April 2023.
Over 100 residents participated in the event which was held today. Representatives from Kalyani Nagar, Wadgaon Sheri, Mundhwa, Koregaon Park, Viman Nagar, Kharadi and other parts of Pune attended this event.
Residents across Pune city are frustrated and helpless at the growing noise levels intruding in close proximity to their homes. This has led to people from all age groups, even the youth to come together to raise awareness of this silent health disruptor.
The youth group ‘New Kalyani Nagar Residents’ took the lead to bring a stop to the use of modified silencers on bikes and cars. They were met with success when the Traffic police impounded silencers and fined erring individuals heavily. This led to the coming together of the youth group and TSKN for a larger campaign called the ‘Voice Against Noise’ campaign.
This event had a presentation on noise pollution by concerned citizens and medical experts/professionals. This was followed by a Q&A session.
The participants at the event asked some pointed and very relevant questions on behalf of all residents living in Pune. Some of the questions raised by the residents are mentioned below –
1. Many residents face challenges with 112/100 numbers, also the CR number 8975953100 earlier announced by DCP was also not responsive. When will it become functional? Could you please look into the complaint situation and also an escalation channel to report such issues?
2. What are the main permissions needed for a restaurant license? How are open area / Rooftop restaurants validated for noise/ fire hazards?
3. A number of events are hosted at Shivaji Chowk, Wadgaon Sheri and residents struggle to get even a complaint registered. When we call we are tossed around between Yerwada and Chandan Nagar Police station and our complaint is never addressed. Which police station does Shivaji Chowk fall under?
4. Can the Maharashtra government roll back timings for all commercial establishments, restaurants, nightclubs, etc to 11pm for all days of the year?
5. Why is the DJ ban not being implemented in the city even after clear guidelines on the ban?
6. On what basis are Restobar permissions allowed by PMC near residential areas when restobars are flouting encroachment, noise level, parking, excise dept norms?
7. Why restrobars/pubs getting their noise making music equipments back within 24 hrs even after raids for violating noise pollution directives?
“Through these interaction the TSKN aims to raise awareness amongst our community and stakeholders regarding Noise Pollution. Voice against noise events main objective was to spread awareness and induce empathy in government officials for a humble ask of peaceful locality. While invitation was sent to many more but 21 officials did accept the invite and assured to come. Only 3 made it to the final event which shows the intent and ignorance to this subject matter. The event was hugely important for residents and is showcased by number of participants however handful of compliance officers was disheartening,” told member of TSKN to Pune Pulse.
