Bappa sent off with not too big a bang

Noise levels at processions were lower this year compared to previous years owing to the success of awareness programmes and heavy presence of cops

Bappa sent off with not too big a bang

Noise levels at processions were lower this year compared to previous years owing to the success of awareness programmes and heavy presence of cops

The end of the 10-day festival was celebrated with much aplomb and fervour but the one thing that was missing was the noise. Ganpati visrajans in the city were significantly quieter compared to previous years owing to controlled use of loudspeakers and the heavy presence of cops.

Rock 'n' dhol: South Mumbai was typically noisier than the suburbs on
the last day of visarjan with the use of firecrackers, drums and DJs on
the road. PIC/BIPIN KOKATE

Sumaira Abdulali, trustee of Awaaz Foundation, said, "It seems that the awareness campaigns about the hazards of sound pollution, police action has helped in making this year less noisy. The areas that are always noisy were quiet this time. However with few exceptions, mandals and processions did not have loudspeakers."u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0

However, South Mumbai was observed to be noisier than the suburbs on the last day of Ganesh visarjan with the use of firecrackers, drums and DJs on the road. Many parts of Mahim, Matunga, Worli and Parel were noisy with trucks playing music at glaringly loud decibels. Periodic and use of firecrackers on the roads was noted in areas of Mahim, Santacruz, Parel and Opera House.

And in trying to keep the city a bit calm and quiet, cops also stopped DJs from playing music at Girgaum Chowpatty past the 12 am deadline. All loudspeakers used in processions were uniformly switched off albeit some loudspeakers at booths of political parties remained on through the night.

Thane city too experienced a quieter visarjan this year as cops did not allow loudspeakers to blare past the deadline. Similarly, Navi Mumbai too celebrated in silence owing to the presence of cops.