As DJs face flak, Mumbai activists say amplification is the real noise issue

…of a noise pollution debate. But activists say the focus on DJs risks obscuring the larger issue: it is amplification and level of noise, rather than the instrument itself, that determines the residents exposure. “ It is not about whether you are using a DJ or traditional instruments. We are talking about decibel levels ,” says noise pollution activist Sumaira Abdulali, who has campaigned against noise for more than two decades. “I will not say ban the instruments but ban the loudspeakers.” The distinction matters because the law does…

…is less about having rules than making sure they are clear and enforced. Brihanmumbai Sarvajanik Ganeshotsav Samanvay Samiti joint secretary Nikhil Morye says mandals must keep sound systems within legal limits. “But monitoring more than 12,000 celebrations across the city is difficult, particularly when traffic, honking and crowds raise ambient noise ,” he says. Dhol-tasha performers, meanwhile, reject the idea that traditional percussion should be singled out. Vaibhav Sahasrabuddhe, who has been part of a dhol-tasha group for 14 years, acknowledges that the…

…who has been part of a dhol-tasha group for 14 years, acknowledges that the instruments are loud but says their sound is softer than amplified DJ music. “I’m not saying that there is no loud sound in this… but dhol-tasha ka sound thoda kam hai… DJ se thoda soft hai aur madhur hai ,” he says. Abdulali, however, says the answer is not to pit DJs against dhol-tasha. “Nobody is against celebrations,” she says. “Just don’t let it become another resident’s distress.” PERMISSIBLE NOISE LIMIT IN…