Shhh... big brother is watching

Environmentalists will independently monitor the noise pollution levels during the Ganesh immersion days, especially on Anant Chaturdashi - the concluding day of the festival on Saturday. They will keep a keen watch on the police, who are duty-bound to implement the order, but trying to wriggle out in the name of festivities and religious sentiments.

Sumaira Abdulali of the Awaaz Foundation told DNA: "On the immersion day, if communal tension or riot breaks out as a result of irresponsible statements made by the government, or if the order is deliberately flouted by Ganpati mandals, it will invite contempt of the Supreme Court."

She added, "Along with a few local volunteers we will go around the city and monitor the noise levels at various mandals. We will record the readings."

Sumaira has warned the state government that if the mandals took undue advantage and if it was found that they were flouting the rules, then they would take up the issue with the Supreme Court. "If they are found flouting the limits, we will prepare a report and submit it to the chief secretary, chief minister, Bombay High Court and the Supreme Court as well," she warned.

After the SC passed the order on July 18, the state government had pleaded relaxation for the Ganpati festival, but was rebuffed. Now, the government is trying to get relaxation from the Centre. Meanwhile, home minister R R Patil is trying to persuade the Ganpati mandals to cooperate with the police administration so that they are not compelled to take action against them.