The state Urban Development Department has issued a new notification listing 110 locations in the city. As per the latest list, there are merely 25 locations in South Mumbai where there will be restrictions on using loudspeakers and carrying out processions. The SoBo areas being considered fall between A ward and E ward of the BMC, and includes Colaba, Churchgate, Mumbai Central, and Byculla.
Lessening the number of silence zones means Ganpati pandals and other mandals will get away with blasting loudspeakers and carrying out processions during festivals, adding to the noise pollution, according to activists. Sumaira Abdulali, convener of Awaaz Foundation, said, "The rules were amended just before the Ganpati festival last year, which clearly indicates that the purpose is to facilitate Ganpati celebrations. The decision may have vested political interests," Abdulali said. The stretch from Lablaug to Girgaum, from where Ganpati processions pass, especially during visarjan, does not have any silence zone.
As per the new list, there are eight silence zones in A ward (Colaba-Churchgate), two in B ward (Masjid, Dongri), two in C ward (Marine lines, Zaveri Bazaar) and 13 in D ward (Malabar Hill, Grant Road, Mazgaon).
Abdulali said, "The main drawback of a particular area not being notified as silence zone is it allows people to use loudspeakers. Even though there is a decibel limit in place, residents face difficulties to lodge complaints and even the police don't consider them to be a priority. However, if the area is notified as a silence zone, loudspeakers are not allowed at all, and cops take immediate action, too," she said.
DNA had earlier published a list of the 110 new silence zones. The BMC Environment Department, which is yet to implement the UDD notification, had told DNA that the list will be soon published and has been forwarded to concerned departments for implementation.
SOBO LOCATIONS NOT IN LIST:
- Parsi General Hospital, Bombay International School, Wilson College, Xaviers College, KC College, Cathedral School, Tata Memorial Center, GT Hospital, Cama Hospital, Wadia Hospital, Dalvi Hospital
