A seminar in Thane on noise pollution and unauthorised mandaps has called for stronger citizen participation and strict enforcement of directions issued by the Bombay High Court. Speakers at the event said residents should raise complaints collectively when public celebrations disturb peace or involve violations of civic rules.
The discussion was organised on Wednesday at the TMC Law College of Vidya Prasarak Mandal. Thane District Legal Services Authority secretary Ravindra Pajankar, social activist Dr Mahesh Bedekar, Thane Nagar police inspector Dwarka Dhoke and Thane Municipal Corporation disaster management cell chief Yasin Tadvi attended the programme.
Pajankar referred to the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and spoke about the right to peace. He said that when one person’s enjoyment infringes on another person’s peace, that activity must be assessed within the limits of the law.
The seminar also examined various directions issued by the Bombay High Court in connection with a public interest litigation filed by Bedekar. Bedekar described the reasons behind the petition and its legal course, while calling for the court’s directions to be implemented strictly.
Bedekar said ordinary citizens often hesitate to complain because they fear intimidation. He argued that issues such as noise pollution would not be resolved unless residents collectively raise their concerns. According to him, political leaders also change their positions when citizens bring such matters into public discussion in significant numbers.
He said opposing DJs, loudspeakers or mandaps erected unlawfully on public roads often leads some people to raise unrelated arguments instead of addressing the alleged violations. Bedekar added that he enjoys festivals but believes organisers must ensure that celebrations do not cause inconvenience to others.
The speakers also discussed unauthorised mandaps and noise levels during public festivals. Bedekar said recent events during the Dahi Handi celebrations in the name of culture were unacceptable. The seminar concluded with an emphasis on citizen complaints, legal awareness and enforcement of existing judicial directions.
