Thane noise pollution reached 105 decibels during Gauri-Ganpati immersion processions, with drum ensembles, banjo groups, loudspeakers and newly introduced metal instruments contributing to high sound levels across several parts of the city, according to sound measurements conducted by social activist Dr Mahesh Bedekar.
The measurements were taken on Saturday, September 19, during the immersion processions. The findings indicated that although the use of DJs had reduced, the overall noise levels had not fallen compared with previous years. Large groups playing dhol-tasha, along with long metal cylindrical instruments, have increasingly occupied the space previously dominated by DJ systems, the report said.
Sound levels were recorded at multiple locations during the night. At Ram Maruti Road, where several immersion processions were present, readings at around 9.30 pm ranged between 85 and 90 decibels. At Pachpakhadi Road, the level reached 90 to 95 decibels at 10 pm. The TMC Kachrali Circle recorded a similar range at around 10.30 pm.
The highest readings were recorded later in the night. Sound levels near ICICI Bank reached between 100 and 105 decibels at 11 pm, while the area near Talao Pali recorded 100 to 105 decibels at around 11.30 pm. These measurements were attributed to Dr Bedekar, who has conducted sound monitoring during Thane’s festival processions.
The observations also showed that the composition of the processions had changed rather than becoming quieter. Most of the processions on Ram Maruti Road used dhol-tasha groups and banjo performers, while loudspeakers were observed in approximately 50 per cent of the processions. At Pachpakhadi, dhol-tasha groups were accompanied by DJs and loudspeakers.
The report places the measurements within a recurring pattern during Thane’s Ganesh festival. Sound monitoring conducted during previous years has also recorded high noise levels during both arrival and immersion processions, with amplified sound systems, musical groups and firecrackers identified as regular contributors. This year’s readings, according to the report, showed no significant reduction compared with earlier measurements.
For residents and city authorities, the readings provide a street-level account of how festival processions affect the urban sound environment over several hours and across multiple roads. The measurements also indicate that replacing one source of amplified music with large percussion groups and metal instruments has not necessarily reduced the overall sound intensity.
The sound levels were recorded as processions moved through roads and public spaces in central Thane. The report did not provide details of any further enforcement action or administrative response following the measurements. It also did not specify the equipment used for monitoring or identify individual procession organisers. The observations remain attributed to the measurements conducted by Dr Bedekar, as reported by Loksatta.
