Like Ganeshotsav Mumbaikars seem to be keen on celebrating a noiseless Dussera. Apart from the recent high court ruling upholding the noise deadline, lack of funds due to recession and the ongoing cricket series appear to be the reasons behind the muted celebrations. 

On Saturday Newsline surveyed areas from Bandra to Colaba between 8 pm and 10 pm and found that while celebrations were on in full swing across the city, use of loudspeakers, bursting of firecrackers or playing of loud music was almost nonexistent. Noise levels were considerably low even in areas near Siddhivinayak Temple in Prabhadevi, Shivaji Park and Worli where several pandals were set up for dandiya celebrations.

In a one off incident city NGO Awaaz Foundation found loudspeakers being used at a mandal opposite KEM Hospital and within the silence zone.

“We checked noise levels twice in the area. The decibel levels recorded at the boundary of KEM Hospital was 81dB when the loudspeakers were on and 68dB when they were switched off. Incidentally, the madal also flaunted banners and posters of the Shiv Sena ,” Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz said.

The NGO also surveyed silent zones near Tata Memorial Hospital, Sion hospital and Holy Family Hospital in Sion and found that while the mandals were lighted they were not noisy. “Loudspeakers were permitted up to 10 pm and on September 23, 24 readings were taken between 8 pm and 10 pm in the area between Bandra, Sion, Dadar, Wadala, Hindmata and Dharavi. For the most part, mandals were well-lighted but did not use loudspeakers,” Abdulali said.

... contd.