Noise levels breach 117dB at Mahim fair

MUMBAI: Noise levels on the first day of the Mahim fair, which commenced on Tuesday, were lower compared to the past two years but remained much above permissible limits. According to noise levels recorded by NGO Awaaz Foundation, the noise levels were between 98 and 117.3 decibels (dB).
On the inaugural day of the fair, the Mahim police lead the `sandal' procession of the Urs of Makhdoom Shah Baba at Mahim dargah.“There was noise pollution from loudspeakers and brass instruments within the premises of the Mahim police station. I made several oral complaints and finally made a written complaint. No action was taken while three separate groups of drums, loudspeakers and brass instruments continued to make noise within police station premises in a silence zone (next to a Balwadi and masjid),“ said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of the foundation.She has sent a complaint to the commissioner of police.
According to the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, residential and silence zones should have a maximum noise level of 55dB and 50dB in the day and 45dB and 40dB at the night, respectively .Police officials said action will be taken if noise rules are flouted. “We have installed our own decibel meters and also held meetings with organisers to create awareness. In case our meters find a problem, we will take legal action,“ said Paramjit Singh Dahiya, DCP, Zone V.