Mumbai: Noise levels of up to 110.8 dB(A) were recorded in the city during Durga Puja immersion processions on Tuesday, far exceeding statutory limits, according to an NGO. Widespread use of firecrackers in public spaces and laser lights pointed directly into homes and at traffic was also noticed.Mahim registered noise levels of 94.4-110.8 dB(A) from processions that had loudspeakers and laser lights directed at traffic, Dadar West 82-102.6 dB(A) alongside loudspeaker processions, Prabhadevi 88-103.1 dB(A) due to firecrackers and loudspeakers, and Cuffe Parade 87.2-100.4 dB(A) driven by horn-type loudspeakers with laser light displays.Sound limits are capped at 40-50 dB(A) in silence zones and 55-45 dB(A) in residential areas.The monitoring was conducted by Awaaz Foundation, whose founder Sumaira Abdulali wrote to CM Devendra Fadnavis requesting strict penal action against violators and enforcement of Bombay HC’s orders restricting festival noise and firecrackers in public spaces. “Many of these events took place in presence of police…” she said in the letter.
