Pune, August 28: SIXTY-FIVE-YEAR old Sapare, an Erandwane resident, is not taken too seriously by his neighbours or the police. A blind retired resident, Sapare calls much too often to complain about the noise pollution in his locality, especially during festivals, that he fears is turning him deaf.

His fears may not be totally unfounded, if one is to go by the noise pollution booklet released by Maitri, a Pune-based voluntary organisation. Loss of sleep, irritation, stress could all very well be signs of an auditory problem. Says Pushyarakshita Sinha, one of the final year ILS students who wrote the booklet Voice Against Noise, “A healthy person who is continuously exposed to the noise as we are can show signs of auditory fatigue - tolerance to sound reduced - in five years.” Maitri has plans to undertake noise pollution as its next environmental issue for one year. On route are plans to talk to Ganesh mandals, perform street plays and fund a research project.

Vinita Tatke explains, “Currently, we have spoken to only two mandals. Our aim is to spread awareness on noise pollution. We are not against celebrating festivals.”

DCP Sukhwinder Singh said, “Enforcement of law requires public willingness which is lacking in this case.” Referring to this year’s Ganesh festival and accompanying noise nuisance, he added that police had the right to confiscate property and equipment where loudspeakers were blaring even after 10 pm. However on the first, fifth and tenth day of Ganpati festival, the deadline will be extended upto midnight.

Despite the noise pollution and control regulation that in theory can result in a fine upto one lakh rupees and imprisonment upto five years, the noise pollution issue is largely ignored in the city.