Hindustan Times ST (Mumbai) - Live
In Ulhasnagar, no respite from sound pollution
ULHASNAGAR: After complaints from residents about firecrackersbeingbursttillearlymorning in Ulhasnagar, activists have again raised their voice against noise pollution.
Hirali Foundation has approached Thane police commissioner about the flouting of norms. It alleged that firecrackers were being burst till 4am.
“There are strict guidelines which all should adhere to to curb sound pollution. Residents are suffering as many flout these rules in Ulhasnagar. Shops selling firecrackers are open till midnight. Many start bursting crackers after 10pm,”said Sarita KhanchandaniofHiraliFoundation.
“We received several complaints on the night of Diwali and the day after. The police were found taking rounds at night but no action was taken,” she added.
AspertheFoundation,theGol Maidan, which is surrounded by several residential buildings, saw the highest noise pollution of 83 decibel to 110 decibel.
In June 2018, a survey by National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI),foundUlhasnagartobe the noisiest city in the state.
“After the report was published, we had asked officials to take steps to controlsoundpollution but nothing was done,” said Khanchandani.
A police officer said, “At some places we found residents bursting crackers late at night. We stopped them from doing so and warned them. We will follow up with the local civic body and makeprovisionsonreducingthe noise pollution in the city.”
A resident of Gol Maidan, Muskaan Jaiswani, 36, said, “One can’t even sleep as firecrackers are burst till 2am. Residentsshouldfollowtheguideline while celebrating the festival. People here are not bothered about ailing senior citizens or children. My two-year-old son could not sleep throughout the night.”