Thane’s first day of Ganpati idol immersion recorded noise levels of up to 100 decibels at key immersion points, even as the use of DJs and Dolby systems reportedly fell by about 20% from previous years. The readings were recorded during late-night processions, while civic authorities appealed to residents to avoid amplified sound systems and follow noise norms.
Anti-noise activist Mahesh Bedekar said he monitored sound levels at several locations across Thane city. According to his observations, the highest readings of 95 to 100 dB were recorded around 11pm near the immersion site on Ram Maruti Road.
Bedekar attributed the spike to the combined use of sound amplifiers, DJs and drums. He said processions between 8.30pm and 11pm continued to generate high noise levels despite a reduction in DJ use. Sound amplifiers, banjos and multiple drums remained part of the processions, he said.
Bedekar also said police presence and traffic arrangements had not deterred noise violations during the monitoring period. The district administration appealed to residents to avoid Dolby and DJ sound systems and comply with applicable noise limits.
The immersion figures brought a second civic concern into focus. A total of 20,703 idols were immersed across Thane city, including nearly 9,600 clay idols. The Thane Municipal Corporation said the number of clay idols and the adoption of eco-friendly celebrations had increased compared with last year.
That claim was disputed by environmental activists Prashant Sinkar and Vijay Katti. They pointed to what they described as poor turnout at the artificial immersion ponds in Kopri and questioned the expenditure on those facilities if devotees continued to prefer natural water bodies.
The two issues—sound pollution during processions and the use of immersion facilities—highlighted the operational challenge facing Thane’s civic administration during large religious gatherings. Authorities must manage traffic, crowd movement, sound regulation and idol immersion at the same time, while residents and environmental groups assess whether official arrangements are being used as intended.
The first-day figures therefore present a mixed picture. The reported decline in DJ and Dolby use was accompanied by noise readings reaching 100 dB, while the reported increase in clay idols was accompanied by questions over the use of artificial immersion ponds. The district administration’s appeal for compliance and the municipal corporation’s account of eco-friendly celebrations remain the official next steps as the immersion period continues.
