Kanwar Yatra Noise Hits 110dB Near DND and Ashram as Severe Traffic Expected
Kanwar Yatra processions blared music peaking at 110 decibels near key corridors including the Delhi-Noida Direct Flyway, Kalindi Kunj, Kalkaji, and Ashram over the weekend, while traffic police warned of severe congestion through August 11. Sound meters logged levels double the legal limits for residential areas as trucks loaded with boomboxes traversed the city routes.
During spot checks on Saturday and Sunday night, professional sound meters registered peaks of 105.2 decibels near two kanwar camps set up by the Kalindi Kunj metro station. Six trucks equipped with boomboxes passed the station within a 20-minute window. On the Outer Ring Road near Kalkaji temple, noise levels rocketed to 110.3 decibels, equivalent to hearing a jackhammer at close range. Readings at the Ashram flyover touched 95.2 decibels.
The Central Pollution Control Board restricts residential noise levels to 55 decibels during the day and 45 decibels at night, while loudspeakers are subject to a 75-decibel cap at public boundaries. Supreme Court rules also prohibit the use of loudspeakers and sound amplifiers between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m., except during public emergencies.
Local Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) flagged major concerns regarding the health impact and impending traffic gridlock as the work week begins. Chitra Jain, president of the New Friends Colony RWA, said the frequent loud and vibrating music poses a risk for children, pets, and elderly residents. Amitosh Moitra, president of the Maharani Bagh RWA, stated that accessing Mathura Road and Ring Road from the neighborhood would become a major challenge for residents.
Delhi Police said they have deployed 1,533 police personnel and 250 paramilitary personnel to manage law and order and assist the public. The deployment includes 27 PCR vans, five Prakhar vans, and 107 motorcycles for patrolling. Traffic police confirmed that heightened deployment will remain in place to manage vehicular flow across the DND Flyway, Sarai Kale Khan underpass, Ghazipur, CV Raman Marg, New Friends Colony, and the Kalkaji flyover until August 11.
