Pune: Residents have raised concerns over the rising noise pollution caused by campaign vehicles , particularly autorickshaws equipped with loudspeakers , disturbing the peace in residential areas. Civic activist Sanjay Shirodkar recently conducted noise level measurements in his locality during a campaign drive. The device recorded alarming levels of 100dB decibels — nearly double the permissible daytime limit of 55dB for residential areas.
"In Hadapsar, loudspeakers begin at 8am and continue till night. After every few minutes, these rickshaws come and stop at the chowk and create noise," said Shirodkar. "The chowkalways witnesses major noise pollution.
Now, the campaigning soundshave added to the noise. We have raised this issue with the traffic police," he said. Students are particularly affected by this noise.
Dhimahi Deep, a city-based JEE aspirant, expressed frustration over the constant noise caused by campaign vehicles. "The loudspeakersare disrupting the peace; it's annoying and distracting. I tried to study, but the continuous noise keptdisrupting my focus.
Politicians need to be more mindful of noise regulations and consider the impact of their activities on everyday citizens, especially students," she said. Vilas Kirote, a resident of Sasanenagar, said, "The noise levels are extreme. The recorded messages are playing on a loop.
Even automated calls promoting candidates have become unbearable. I received three calls past midnight. Loudspeakers and blaring music .