The involvement of citizens in anti-noise campaigns will make the city a quieter and healthier place rather than punitive action against offenders by the government agencies, said state environment minister Sanjay Deotale.
Commending DNA’s ‘Volume Kam Kar’ campaign that is aimed at spreading awareness about the hazards of excessive noise, Deotale said that such initiatives can make people aware about the ill-effects of noise pollution.
The minister noted that noise pollution has reduced this Diwali.
“We are happy that the media has taken up a campaign that will affect our citizens’ health... NGOs and activists are spreading the message and our agency is trying to create awareness on the subject,” said Deotale.
DNA started its campaign two weeks ago and the response from readers has been overwhelming.
Since the last few years, NGOs and government agencies have been trying to create awareness about noise pollution.
This year, the environment department and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board have appealed to citizens to celebrate the festival without bursting crackers. They have also distributed lanterns to various government agencies with this message.
Sumira Abdulali of Awaaz Foundation, an NGO fighting against noise pollution, said, “DNA is the only newspaper in the city to take up a campaign to reduce noise pollution. Compared to earlier Diwalis, this year’s festival has been quieter and I am very happy. But this is just the beginning. The MPCB should not only measure noise levels during Diwali, but during the entire year and take strict punitive action against those who flout the laws.”
“It is not the NGO’s job to measure noise levels in the city. Government agencies have the mandate to do it and if they enforce the laws, we will be successful in making the city a less noisy place.”
