Archive · 29 Sep 2026
Awaaz Foundation Seeks Maharashtra Action Against Festival Noise
Awaaz Foundation asked the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police to control some festival activities.
It said firecrackers were used late at night during Ganpati visarjan.
It also reported smoke-producing devices in several Mumbai locations.
The foundation said firecrackers tested in 2022 were much louder than the permitted nighttime limit in residential areas.
It said the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board did not share findings from a similar 2025 test.
The foundation wants smoke-producing devices banned because they may add to air pollution.
It also raised concerns about laser lights being pointed into homes.
The group said bright lasers and light pollution can affect people’s health.
It asked authorities to enforce restrictions during several upcoming festivals.
Awaaz Foundation urged Maharashtra authorities to act against firecrackers, smoke-producing devices and laser lights during religious festivals.
The foundation said it observed firecrackers at Worli Naka and smoke-producing devices near Girgaon Chowpatty and Opera House on September 25.
Tests conducted in October 2022 recorded firecracker noise levels between 71.4 and 114 decibels.
The foundation said these levels exceeded the 45-decibel limit permitted after 10 p.m. in residential areas.
It also reported laser beams directed toward homes and sought enforcement during upcoming festivals, including Diwali and Christmas.
- Who
- Awaaz Foundation urged the Maharashtra government and Mumbai Police to act.
- What
- The foundation sought action against firecrackers, smoke-producing devices and laser lights during religious festivals.
- When
- The reported observations were made on September 25, and the letter was sent to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on September 28.
- Where
- The reported incidents occurred in Mumbai, including Worli Naka, Girgaon Chowpatty, Opera House, Bandra, Dadar and Prabhadevi.
- Why
- The foundation cited excessive noise, possible air pollution and potential health effects from light pollution.
- Organization
- Awaaz Foundation
- Letter recipient
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis
- Reported event
- Ganpati visarjan on September 25
- 2022 noise readings
- 71.4 to 114 decibels
- Residential nighttime limit
- 45 decibels after 10 p.m.
- Requested measures
- Action against noisy firecrackers, smoke-producing devices and laser lights
- Upcoming festivals mentioned
- Navratri, Diwali, Guru Nanak Jayanti, the Mahim Fair, Christmas and New Year