Noise pollution: Activists call on citizens to post norm violation details on Facebook page

Tired of a noisy procession or a DJ playing loud music at a function nearby? Noise pollution activists have called on the public to fight back using some basic apps and lodge a complaint with the police and also post it on a social media page created for this purpose.

"We have created a Facebook page called Citizens' Noise Map; we want people to start using it actively. There is no need to buy any sound measuring device, all one has to do is download a simple app, like noise meter, on their smartphones and record the levels. If found high, they should lodge a complaint with the police and also post it on this page," said Sumaira Abdulali, convenor of Awaaz Foundation that has been fighting against noise pollution.

During festivals, every citizen can map noise levels in his/her area and, if there is any violation, not only report it, but also post it on this page with date, time, decibel level details. "We are fighting for a dedicated toll-free number, where citizens can lodge complaints specific to noise pollution. Even though the Bombay High Court has asked for this to be made available, it's yet to be done. But people should complain to either the local police station or the control room till then," suggested Abdulali.

Besides location and source of noise, citizens have also been asked to post if any action was taken by the police on the complaint. "It will help us document the noise levels as well as the response, so that we can put it in front of the HC that is hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) on noise pollution during festivals. These details will help us strengthen our case to ask for stricter implementation and point out loopholes," said Dr Mahesh Bedekar, who runs a hospital in Thane, and has filed the PIL.

According to activists fighting for strict implementation of noise pollution norms, construction work, loudspeakers during festivals and honking have been identified as the major contributors to noise pollution in Mumbai.

Noise pollution not only causes hearing loss and ringing in the ears, but is also known to affect attention span, and cause stress, anxiety and even hypertension as well as cardiovascular problems.