Sensitive zones, residential areas in Hyderabad see spike in noise levels during Ganesh Chaturthi

From September 7 to 17, noise levels in several parts of the city spiked, with sensitive areas like Zoo Park and the University of Hyderabad (HCU) in Gachibowli bearing the brunt of the impact.

Hyderabad: Hyderabad experienced a sharp rise in noise pollution during this year’s 11-day Ganesh Chaturthi celebrations, with noise levels consistently surpassing permissible limits, especially in residential and sensitive zones, according to data from the Telangana Pollution Control Board.

From September 7 to 17, noise levels in several parts of the city spiked, with sensitive areas like Zoo Park and the University of Hyderabad (HCU) in Gachibowli bearing the brunt of the impact.

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In residential neighborhoods such as Jubilee Hills and Tarnaka, noise levels regularly exceeded the allowable daytime limit of 55 decibels (dB). In Jubilee Hills, levels peaked at 66.12 dB on September 12, staying above 63 dB for most of the festival. Nighttime levels, which should not exceed 45 dB, were especially concerning, reaching 63.33 dB on September 7 and peaking at 65.33 dB on September 15.

Tarnaka faced similar challenges. Noise pollution reached 65.13 dB on the first day of the festivities, remaining above 60 dB throughout the celebration. By the final day on September 17, levels were still elevated at 63.42 dB.

The city’s sensitive zones, which include areas of environmental and ecological importance, saw even higher noise levels. Zoo Park recorded 69.39 dB during the day on September 7, well above the permissible 50 dB limit for sensitive areas. Nighttime readings were equally alarming, peaking at 68.10 dB.

Throughout the festival, noise levels remained high, with a reading of 67.36 dB on September 17. HCU in Gachibowli experienced one of the most severe noise surges, with levels hitting 72.90 dB during the day on September 10 and 71.59 dB at night.

These elevated levels persisted throughout the celebration, with daytime noise ranging between 71 and 72 dB and nighttime levels staying around 70 dB.

Jubilee Hills:

Sep 7 – 62.05 (Day); 63.33 (Night)

Sep 11 – 65.74 (Day); 63.06 (Night)

Sep 17 – 63.92 (Day); 63.42 (Night)

Tarnaka:

Sep 7 – 65.13 (Day)

Sep 11 – 63.00 (Day)

Sep 17 – 75.23 (Day)

Zoo Park:

Sep 7 – 69.39 (Day); 68.10 (Night)

Sep 11 – 67.52 (Day); 67.52 (Night)

Sep 17 – 67.36 (Day); 66.49 (Night)

HCU:

Sep 7 – 72.29 (Day); 70.79 (Night)

Sep 11 – 70.24 (Night)

Sep 17 – 71.61 (Day); 71.27 (Night)

Standard noise levels:

Residential zones

Daytime: 55 dB

Nighttime: 45 dB

Industrial zones

Daytime: 75 dB

Nighttime: 70 dB

Sensitive zones

Daytime: 50 dB

Nighttime: 40 dB