‘Noise pollution above permissible level during Ganeshotsav since 2019’

 

 

The noise level in Nagpur city during 10 days of Ganesh festival every year breaches the permissible limit, causing potential harm to human health. According to the Ambient Noise Monitoring data of Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB), the ten-day period of Ganesh festival over last six years highlights a clear pattern of noise amplification on visarjan days, underscoring the difficulties of maintaining noise levels within acceptable limits. The World Health Organisation (WHO) identifies noise levels above 65 decibels (dB) as potentially harmful to human health, with prolonged exposure to levels exceeding 85 dB posing a significant risk of hearing damage and other health issues. Whereas, in 2024, the five noise monitoring stations during the festival in Nagpur city reported the noise pollution above the permissible limit during all the ten days.

 

 

MPCB has five noise monitoring stations at Cotton Market, Ramdaspeth, Reshimbag, Gandhi Putla and Golibar Chowk areas. These stations provide noise data of the city during Ganesh festival. As per the data, the noise level of all these five locations during Ganesh festival of 2024 was reported between 64.7 dB to 82.9 dB. Ramdaspeth area reported the lowest 64.7 dB noise Contd from page 1 level on September 8 last year which was the lowest whereas Gandhi Putla in Mahal area recorded 82.9 dB of noise level on very first day of the celebration last year. The data showed almost same level of noise pollution every year since 2019. In 2024, Cotton Market area witnessed the noise level in all 10 days of Ganesh festival between 71.8 dB and 81.3 dB. Ramdaspeth witnessed noise level between 64.7 dB and 77.2 dB. Reshimbagh witnessed between 69.0 dB and 81.0 dB.

 

Gandhi Putla recorded the sound level between 71.0 dB and 82.9 dB whereas Golibar Chowk reported the noise between 72.3 dB and 80.4 dB. According to MPCB, the context of festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, noise pollution arises from a variety of sources, including -- loudspeakers used for music and announcements; musical instruments such as drums and cymbals played during processions; and firecrackers, which contribute to sudden spikes in noise levels. Noise pollution, particularly in Nagpur city, has become a growing concern for environmental and public health authorities. Festivals, while essential to the cultural fabric of the city, often lead to elevated noise levels that can cause both short-term disturbances and long-term health risks. According to the data, in 2023, Ramdaspeth area recorded the lowest noise pollution during the festival with 64.4 dB whereas Reshimbagh area was the noisiest place during the festival with 76.0 dB.