‘Innocent persons can’t suffer’: Bombay HC flags noise, air pollution during Ganeshotsav

The Bombay High Court has expressed concern over the excessive noise pollution caused by festivities during Ganeshotsav. The court initiated a suo motu PIL (public interest litigation) to address the issue, highlighting the high levels of noise pollution due to loud music and firecrackers. Justice Girish S Kulkarni and Neela K Gokhale pointed out that it was high time firecrackers causing noise and air pollution were banned to reduce their ill effects.

They questioned the permissions granted for DJ sound systems and emphasized that existing rules were not being properly implemented, causing serious prejudice to citizens. The bench noted that festivities and processions should be held in a manner that respects the rights of citizens to avoid adverse impacts on thousands of people.

They found that timelines and permissible hours were being breached, leading to high collective decibel levels from simultaneous loud music and firecrackers. The court also referred to a 2023 PIL over air pollution in Mumbai, noting that authorities were struggling to reduce high levels of air pollution during September and October.

The bench suggested banning firecrackers to nurture a healthy environment by reducing severe ill effects caused by pollution. They posted the hearing for September 22, awaiting a response from authorities.