Pune Residents Express Concern Over Noise Pollution During Ganesh Festival

Pune Residents Express Concern Over Noise Pollution During Ganesh Festival

Pune residents have expressed their deep concern and dissatisfaction regarding the noise pollution caused by the pandals during the recent Ganesh Festival celebrations across Pune.

In a letter to the police, PMC, and MPCB, Pune residents have stated that the excessive noise levels have caused significant discomfort for the residents, senior citizens, children, and patients in the area.

They have also stated that the constant blaring of loudspeakers and music systems throughout the day and night has made life unbearable for many of them. They have had difficulty sleeping, concentrating, and carrying out their daily activities due to the persistent noise.

The residents have also questioned why we need to rely on technology and devices to celebrate our festivals. They have stated that in the past, people used to sing Aartis during the Ganesh Festival, which was a beautiful and meaningful way to worship. They have asked why we can’t continue with this tradition instead of relying on loudspeakers and electronic devices.

The residents have also stated that it is disappointing to see that despite repeated requests and warnings from the authorities, some pandals continue to flout the rules and regulations regarding noise levels. They have stated that this lack of regard for the well-being of the residents is unacceptable and needs to be addressed urgently.

The residents have proposed that pandals found in violation of decibel level rules should face consequences, such as not being granted permission for the next year’s celebrations, if complaints are reported and confirmed. They believe that this would serve as a deterrent and encourage pandals to adhere to the prescribed noise limits.

The residents have requested the police, PMC, and MPCB to take necessary action against those pandals that have violated the rules and regulations. They have stated that they should not be allowed to participate in future festivals if they cannot adhere to the guidelines set by the authorities.

The residents have concluded by stating that it is high time that we prioritize the comfort and convenience of the residents over the interests of a few individuals who want to celebrate their festivals at any cost. They believe that a respectful approach to noise levels will enable everyone to enjoy the festivities while preserving the peace and tranquility of our neighborhoods.

Impact of Noise Pollution on Senior Citizens, Children, Patients, and Animals

Exposure to excessive noise pollution during Ganesh Festival celebrations can lead to a range of health issues for various groups, including senior citizens, kids, patients, and even animals.

Senior Citizens

• Hearing loss: Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause permanent hearing damage, which can be particularly problematic for older adults who may already have age-related hearing loss.

• Cardiovascular disease: Studies have suggested that people who live in areas with high levels of noise pollution may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and heart attacks.

• Anxiety and stress: Noise pollution can lead to increased levels of anxiety and stress hormones, which can negatively impact overall health and well-being.

Children

• Learning and behavioral problems: Exposure to excessive noise has been linked to a range of negative effects on children’s cognitive development, including decreased memory and attention span, as well as increased aggression and hyperactivity.

• Sleep disturbances: Noisy environments can disrupt sleep patterns and reduce the quality of sleep, leading to fatigue, irritability, and other negative consequences for children’s physical and mental health.

Patients

• Increased blood pressure: Studies have shown that hospital patients exposed to high levels of noise have higher blood pressure than those in quieter rooms, which can complicate their recovery and increase the risk of cardiovascular events.

• Pain perception: Noise pollution can exacerbate pain and make it more difficult to manage, particularly for patients recovering from surgery or experiencing chronic pain conditions.

Animals

• Stress and anxiety: Just like humans, animals can experience increased stress and anxiety when exposed to loud noises, which can affect their behavior and overall welfare.

• Hearing loss: Like humans, animals can also suffer from hearing loss due to prolonged exposure to loud noises, which can impact their ability to communicate and navigate their environment.

• Physiological changes: Chronic noise exposure has been linked to a range of physiological changes in animals, including increased heart rate, respiratory rate, and cortisol levels. These changes can have long-term negative impacts on an animal’s health and well-being.

It is clear that noise pollution can have a significant negative impact on the health and well-being of people and animals alike. It is important to take steps to reduce noise pollution, especially during festive celebrations.