Fed up with loud late-night events at temple and authorities’ indifference, Mira Road society bars politicians from campaigning on its premises
A poster restricting politicians from entering the premises of Indraprastha Society in Mira Road East. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE
Politicians have been barred from canvassing for votes on the premises of Mira Road’s Indraprastha Society, as its members hold leaders responsible for unchecked sound and air pollution in the area. Residents alleged that celebrations at the Bapa Sitaram temple, located opposite the entrance of the society, have been creating a nuisance, with music being blasted during wedding processions and firecrackers burst late at night. But despite complaining to the local police and public representatives, no action has been taken, they claimed.
According to residents, the road leading to the society was declared a silence zone years ago
Society members alleged that while residents face strict restrictions during festivals such as Diwali and Navratri — when loud music is disallowed beyond 10 pm — wedding celebrations, with amplified music, live bands, and firecrackers, are allowed to continue unabated till 12 am or even 1 am at the temple.
Indraprastha Society, located near the Poonam Sagar Complex in Mira Road East, houses around 800 residents. They alleged that over the past three to four years, the temple had been hosting wedding events that had become a major disturbance, contributing to traffic congestion, blockage of the society’s entry and exit points, and increased air and noise pollution due to firecrackers and loud music.
Members speak
Resident Mahesh Chauhan told mid-day, “We have put up a banner near our main gate notifying political parties to refrain from campaigning here, as they are not helping us. Every night, our sleep is disturbed. Even students are unable to study during exam time.”
Residents of Indraprastha Society are unanimous in their demand that the volume levels be reduced during events organised at the Bapa Sitaram temple. PICS/SATEJ SHINDE
Meenakshi Walnekar, chairperson of the society, said, “We have complained multiple times to all political parties about this nuisance, but no solution has been provided. This is total harassment. Every day, the issue is the same. Whenever the band baja starts late at night, we call the police. The cops stop the music, but once they leave, the music resumes within five minutes. We want peace. We are not against the temple, but we are against events that create a nuisance.”
Society committee member Falguni Divecha said, “The police stop us if music is played beyond 10 pm during Navratri and other festivals, but at these wedding halls, music is played till 12.30 am or 1 am. The rules should be the same for all citizens. We are not against the temple, but against the wedding hall operating inside it. Sound levels are extremely high at night, which is very disturbing.”
Falguni Divecha, committee member who believes the rules must be the same for all citizens
Resident Jaylaxmi Gowda said, “Wedding processions block our road for one to two hours daily. We are unable to enter our society through the main gate. If we are travelling by auto, we have to get out on the main road and walk the rest of the way. We complained to the Bapa Sitaram temple, but they did not address our concerns.” Her son Shrikant added, “My mother is very old, and these wedding events disturb her sleep every night.”
Another resident, Priti Ravani, said, “The road to the society was declared a silent zone. Someone has removed silent zone boards installed years ago. The volume should be brought under control. Temples are meant for worship, but they are being used for wedding events. Vehicles are also being parked outside our gates. This nuisance should be stopped.”
Jaylaxmi Gowda, resident, Indraprastha Society
Sharon Pires, yet another resident, said, “My son is studying for the SSC exam, and it has become extremely difficult for him to prepare due to the high noise levels. We are not against weddings or programmes, but the volume must be maintained. Firecrackers are burst late at night, creating further disturbance.”
Temple trustee speaks
Anil Virani, trustee of Bapa Sitaram temple and BJP candidate from Mira Road, said, “We conduct marriage events free of cost. So far, we have arranged more than 400 weddings at the Bapa Sitaram temple. This is social work and not done for income, but to help poor people. We understand that the society is facing some issues, and we will speak with the residents and try to resolve the matter.”
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