IE : Noise deadline: Cops urge citizens to be self-disciplined : Nov 8,2007

Prasad said, “We are deploying a maximum of 15,000 personnel to patrol the city. They will be working in two shifts of 12 hours each. I can’t stretch them beyond that.”

Noise activist Sumaira Abdulali pointed out that as per the Supreme Court directive crackers can be burst only up to 10 pm, after which a maximum limit of 50 dB should be maintained in residential areas and 40 dB in silent zones.

“However last year, the authorities allowed people to burst crackers till midnight. This extension is clearly not for fire crackers, but for loud speakers during celebrations.”

In 2006, the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) recorded sound levels as high as 105 dB in Girgaum and 108 dB near Mantralaya after 10 pm during Diwali season (October 21-24). That is as high as the noise made by a jet aircraft taking off at a distance of 100 metres, according to MPCB. In the suburbs though, the sound was much controlled, with Bandra recording up to 85 dB, Borivali 95dB and Mulund up to 92.3 dB, MPCB’s website said.

Dr K Venkateshan, additional commissioner of police (South), said, “All arrangements have been made to ensure that there is minimal bursting after the noise deadline. Nearly 3,500 police personnel work towards this end here. On Diwali, we will deploy police personnel on Marine Drive to monitor the celebrations.” When asked what action will be taken against offenders of the noise deadline, Venkateshan simply said, “We request people to practise self-discipline and also make sure their celebrations are safe and considerate to others.”

A special bandobast has been planned in the Central region, said Rajneesh Seth, additional commissioner of police (Central). “We will have tight vigil on places like Worli seaface and Shivaji Park where most people flock.” Seth said those who are caught bursting crackers after 10 pm will either be fined, or appropriate legal action be taken.

Abdulali maintained that usually there is more vigil in South Mumbai than in the suburbs. “In areas like Bandra and Juhu the noise level after 10 pm is uncontrollable. And it keeps getting worse in the farther suburbs, as well as areas on the central side like Dombivli,” she said. Meanwhile, an MPCB committee member said, “We will as usual monitor 45 areas in the city.” He didn’t have more details and other MPCB officials were not available for comment despite repeated attempts.

Prasad has, however, promised to take immediate action if any violation is brought to the notice of the police. “In case of any emergency or distress call, I will ensure that our men immediately reach the spot and intervene,” he said.

Some good news

There is some consolation for those concerned about the city’s environment. On Monday, Newsline randomly picked seven to eight varieties of crackers from Crawford Marked and tested them for noise pollution with a meter borrowed from additional police commissioner’s office in Byculla. We found that barring the green rassi bomb (atom bomb) which blasted at a marginally higher level of 124 dB and the 7 Shot colour bomb rocket at 120.4 dB, the rest remained within the permitted noise level of 120 dB.

* Chutu Puttu: 108 db l Green Ganga Jamuna Bomb: 119.8 dB * Laxmi Bomb: 120 dB l Shell bomb (rocket): 120 dB l 7 Shot colour bomb: 120.4 db l Rassi Bomb (atom bomb): 124
nitya.kaushik@expressindia.com

Publication : IE; Section : MNl; Pg : 2; Date : 8/11/07