Kalyani Nagar Residents Question Pune Police’s Silence Over Noise Pollution
Kalyani Nagar, 19th April 2023: Residents of Kalyani Nagar in Pune have expressed their concern over the increasing noise pollution caused by pubs and hotels in the area. They raised their voice against the issue in a meeting held at Joggers Park organized by Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar (TSKN).
The meeting was attended by more than 100 residents and also people from Viman Nagar, Koregaon Park, Vadgaonsheri among others.
During the meeting, experts highlighted the negative impacts of noise pollution on human health. The residents were advised to call the police by dialling 112 and also tag authorities on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram if they come across any loud music in the area.
One of the residents questioned why the police or Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is not taking adequate measures to control noise pollution in the residential area. In response, Senior Police Inspector Kadam, in-charge of Yerwada police station, explained that the police have certain powers and limitations when it comes to noise pollution. He added that after receiving information about loud music, the police send their beat marshals to stop the noise. However, stricter action against the establishment needs to be taken by other departments like PMC and excise.
Also, as pubs and hotels contribute revenue to the state government, local authorities are lenient in taking any strict action.
The residents expressed their dissatisfaction with the current situation and called for immediate action to be taken to reduce the noise levels in the area. They urged the authorities to come up with a solution that would help them sleep peacefully at night and not hamper their health in any way.
The residents had also called officials of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) but they did not turn up.
Residents across Pune city are frustrated and helpless at the growing noise levels intruding in close proximity to their homes. This has led to people from all age groups, even the youth to come together to raise awareness of this silent health disruptor.
The youth group ‘New Kalyani Nagar Residents’ took the lead to bring a stop to the use of modified silencers on bikes and cars. They were met with success when the Traffic police impounded silencers and fined erring individuals heavily. This led to the coming together of the youth group and TSKN for a larger campaign called the ‘Voice Against Noise’ campaign.
The meeting had a presentation on noise pollution by concerned citizens and medical experts/professionals. This was followed by a Q&A session. The participants at the event asked some pointed and very relevant questions on behalf of all residents living in Pune.
Some of the questions raised by the residents are mentioned below –
1. Many residents face challenges with 112/100 numbers, also the WhatsApp number 8975953100 earlier announced by DCP was also not responsive. When will it become functional? Could you please look into the complaint situation and also an escalation channel to report such issues?
2. What are the main permissions needed for a restaurant license? How are open area / Rooftop restaurants validated for noise/ fire hazards?
3. A number of events are hosted at Shivaji Chowk, Vadgaonsheri and residents struggle to get even a complaint registered. When we call we are tossed around between Yerwada and Chandan Nagar Police station and our complaint is never addressed. Which police station does Shivaji Chowk fall under?
4. Can the Maharashtra government roll back timings for all commercial establishments, restaurants, nightclubs, etc to 11pm for all days of the year?
5. Why is the DJ ban not being implemented in the city even after clear guidelines on the ban?
6. On what basis are Restobar permissions allowed by PMC near residential areas when restobars are flouting encroachment, noise level, parking, excise dept norms?
7. Why restobars/pubs getting their noise making music equipments back within 24 hrs even after raids for violating noise pollution directives?
“Through these interaction we aim to raise awareness amongst our community and stakeholders regarding Noise Pollution. Our goal is to create a long term – government-public – partnership to intensify enforcement of existing laws and to hold commercial establishments accountable to their role in the community”, said Rachna Aggarwal, chairperson of Team Swachh Kalyani Nagar (TSKN).
“We as a community believe that a well rounded approach is the way forward and we pledge to keep pushing to make our Pune City a model city to live in”, added Drayson Dixon from TSKN.
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