Mumbai noise pollution reached as high as 110.8 dB(A) during Durga Puja immersion processions on Tuesday, with an NGO reporting breaches of statutory limits, firecrackers in public spaces and laser lights directed towards homes and traffic.
Awaaz Foundation recorded the highest levels in Mahim, where processions registered noise between 94.4 and 110.8 dB(A). The organisation attributed the readings to loudspeakers and laser lights directed at traffic. Its monitoring covered several neighbourhoods during the immersion activity.
Dadar West recorded noise levels between 82 and 102.6 dB(A), alongside loudspeaker processions. In Prabhadevi, readings ranged from 88 to 103.1 dB(A), with firecrackers and loudspeakers identified as the main sources. Cuffe Parade recorded levels between 87.2 and 100.4 dB(A), driven by horn-type loudspeakers and laser-light displays.
The readings were substantially above the limits cited by the organisation. Noise limits are capped at 40-50 dB(A) in silence zones and 45-55 dB(A) in residential areas, according to the report. The recorded levels therefore exceeded permitted limits across all four monitored locations.
Awaaz Foundation founder Sumaira Abdulali wrote to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis seeking strict penal action against those who violated noise and firecracker restrictions. The letter also referred to Bombay High Court orders restricting festival noise and the use of firecrackers in public spaces.
The organisation said firecrackers were used in public spaces during the processions and that laser lights were pointed directly into homes and at traffic. These activities raise separate enforcement concerns because they involve not only sound levels but also the management of public roads, residential surroundings and pedestrian environments during large religious processions.
Abdulali said in the letter that many of the events took place in the presence of police. The submission places responsibility for enforcement on the agencies overseeing processions and public order, particularly where violations are visible during regulated events.
The reported readings illustrate the difficulty of enforcing citywide noise rules during festival movements, when multiple sound sources operate along roads and near homes. Loudspeakers, horn-type systems, firecrackers and laser displays were identified at different locations, making monitoring and attribution important to any action against violators.
Awaaz Foundation’s request to the chief minister seeks penal action under the restrictions referenced in its letter. The report does not state whether fines or other penalties had been imposed at the time of publication. It also does not provide a response from the police or the state government.
The next formal step is the state government’s response to the foundation’s letter and any enforcement action taken by the authorities in connection with the reported violations.
