6 hrs ago
Bombay HC Flags Pollution During Ganeshotsav, Questions Firecracker Permissions
The Bombay High Court is worried that Ganeshotsav celebrations are creating too much noise and air pollution.
It said people should be able to celebrate, but not in ways that harm others.
The court said loud music may be played beyond allowed times and sound limits.
It also questioned why some DJ systems were permitted.
Firecrackers were criticized because they can make the air unhealthy and create dangerous situations on roads.
The court said people in cars and pedestrians could be hurt by firecrackers.
It noted that existing rules do not appear to be enforced properly.
The court has asked authorities to explain what is happening and will hear the matter again on September 22.
The Bombay High Court initiated a suo motu PIL over high noise levels during Ganeshotsav festivities.
The court said loud music and processions were exceeding permitted decibel levels and hours.
It questioned permissions for DJ sound systems and music continuing until midnight despite 10 pm limits.
The bench flagged firecracker-related air pollution, toxicity and accident risks on public roads.
Authorities were asked to respond, with the next hearing scheduled for September 22.
- Who
- The Bombay High Court bench of Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Neela K Gokhale.
- What
- The court initiated a suo motu PIL concerning noise and air pollution during Ganeshotsav and questioned DJ and firecracker permissions.
- Where
- Mumbai, during Ganeshotsav festivities and processions.
- When
- On Monday; the next hearing was scheduled for September 22.
- Why
- The court said loud music and firecrackers were exceeding permitted limits, worsening air pollution, and harming citizens.
Key facts
- Court action
- The Bombay High Court initiated a suo motu public interest litigation.
- Main concern
- High noise pollution from loud music during Ganeshotsav.
- Timing issue
- The court questioned music continuing until midnight when permissions would otherwise run only until 10 pm.
- Firecracker concerns
- The bench linked firecrackers to noise pollution, air toxicity and accident risks.
- Rules
- The court said existing rules appeared not to be properly implemented.
- Next hearing
- September 22.
Quotes
Bombay High Court bench of Justices Girish S Kulkarni and Neela K Gokhale
Judges hearing the suo motu public interest litigation concerning noise and air pollution during Ganeshotsav
“innocent persons cannot be made to suffer due to a few who create objectionable noise pollution”“There cannot be any objection” to holding festivities and processions“No responsible citizen can be permitted to pollute the atmosphere, including to create noise pollution by burning firecrackers, which certainly enhances the toxicity of the air causing severe air pollution”
indianexpress.com
Sources
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