Thane noise pollution reached 95 to 100 decibels on several major Ganesh immersion routes during the Anant Chaturdashi procession, despite a reported reduction in the use of DJs and large loudspeakers. The highest levels were recorded around Mulund Check Naka and Naupada, according to sound measurements conducted by social activist Dr Mahesh Bedekar and his colleagues.
The measurements were taken across different immersion routes in Thane on 25 September, the day of Anant Chaturdashi. The readings showed that drums, traditional dhol-tasha groups, banjos, loudspeakers and firecrackers continued to contribute to high noise levels during the procession.
At around 9.45 pm, a sound level of approximately 90 decibels was recorded near P. N. Gadgil on Ram Maruti Road, where dhol-tasha groups and a banjo performance were under way. The measurement was part of the readings taken by Bedekar and his team at locations used for Ganesh idol immersion processions.
At Panchpakhadi, the sound level measured between 80 and 85 decibels at about 10.15 pm. Around 10.30 pm, readings of 90 to 95 decibels were recorded in the vicinity of the Thane Municipal Corporation, where loudspeakers and dhol-tasha performances were being used.
The measurements indicated that sound levels on several routes remained above the prescribed limits, the report said. The findings also showed that reducing DJ use alone did not prevent high noise levels during the immersion procession, as traditional drums and other amplified or musical equipment continued to produce intense sound at multiple locations.
Noise pollution during Ganesh festival arrival and immersion processions has emerged repeatedly in annual sound measurements in Thane. According to the report, loudspeakers, banjos, dhol-tasha performances and firecrackers have contributed to elevated noise levels during the festival period each year.
The latest readings cover specific locations and times rather than the entire city or the complete duration of the procession. They were conducted by Bedekar and his colleagues, who have carried out similar measurements during the Ganesh festival. The report did not provide details of any enforcement action or official response from the Thane Municipal Corporation or other authorities following the readings.
