MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Monday urged celebrities to volunteer for noise pollution awareness campaigns after the state informed it that some were demanding payment to participate. The court also asked authorities to step up awareness efforts in Mumbai’s slums, expressing concern over firecrackers being burst until 2am and the lack of outreach in these areas.
“We thought they were conscious about this but this (asking for payment) is their response? We think some of them should come forward to help the public cause. When you have police programs, all celebrities are there. The observations came during a suo motu cognisance of noise pollution caused by religious processions in Mumbai and other cities across Maharashtra. The court has directed the state government, civic bodies and the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to step up awareness campaigns through schools, public announcements, social media and messages displayed on buses, at bus stops and in trains.
But for them to spend 15 minutes for a special cause, they don’t want to do it,” the court said.
During Monday’s hearing, advocate Joel Carlos, appearing for the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), said the civic body was preparing to publicise a noise pollution helpline number through notices, social media and billboards.
It called for a mechanism to ensure announcements and awareness campaigns reached these neighbourhoods. Because of others’ disregard for noise regulations, the court expressed particular concern over firecrackers being burst late into the night in slum areas, saying residents were suffering.
Calling for consistency in awareness and enforcement, the court said festivals should be celebrated while respecting the environment.
