Police report no violations, while residents raise concerns over loud dhol-tasha and firecrackers.

The Noise

The issue of noise pollution during this year’s Ganesh visarjan has sparked a debate in Navi Mumbai, with residents raising concerns even as the police said no mandal had crossed the prescribed noise limits.

According to the Navi Mumbai Police, sound levels were monitored during visarjan processions using sound-level meters. Officials said they did not find any Ganesh mandal violating the permitted limits and noted that several mandals had avoided using DJs following instructions from the authorities. However, some residents said the celebrations were still excessively loud in certain areas. They complained about the noise from dhol-tasha performances and firecrackers, saying it was particularly difficult for senior citizens, young children and people who were unwell.

A member of a city-based organisation claimed that dhol-tasha performances crossed 80 decibels at some locations. Residents have also sought greater transparency regarding the monitoring process. The police have not publicly released detailed information about the sound readings, such as where measurements were taken or the highest and lowest levels recorded. Such data could help address concerns and provide a clearer picture of the situation.

The issue has also drawn attention because of action taken in neighbouring Thane, where police reportedly registered 69 cases for noise-related violations and firecracker use during the immersion period. The debate highlights the challenge of balancing traditional celebrations with residents’ need for a peaceful environment, particularly during large public festivals.

One woman arrested near Nerul, while police continue searching for the second accused.

The Theft

In a dramatic incident, two women accused of stealing railway material escaped from the RPF lock-up at Belapur railway station by allegedly using their sarees as a makeshift rope.

The women, identified as Rupali Kailas Kurhade, 30, and Shalibai Ashok Pawar, 40, had been arrested on September 26 in connection with the alleged theft of electric overhead wires from a railway godown at Juinagar.

According to officials, the women escaped at around 2:13 am on September 28. They allegedly broke the lock of the lock-up, reached the rear balcony and used their sarees to climb down from the building. The escape came to light when the woman constable posted at the lock-up returned and found the two accused missing. Officials subsequently checked CCTV footage and launched a search operation.

RPF teams managed to trace Rupali Kurhade near Nerul railway station at around 8:45 am, following which she was taken back into custody. However, Shalibai Pawar is still absconding. Railway police and RPF teams are continuing efforts to locate her and are examining CCTV footage and other available information.

A separate case has been registered at Panvel Railway Police Station in connection with the escape. The incident has also raised questions about security arrangements at the railway lock-up.

726 kg of seized narcotics disposed of as part of the city’s ongoing anti-drug campaign.

The Drugs

In a major step against the illegal drug trade, Navi Mumbai Police destroyed around 726 kg of seized narcotics worth Rs 26.30 crore on September 30. The drugs were disposed of at a waste-management facility in Taloja following the required legal procedures.

The seized narcotics were linked to 201 cases registered by the police. The action was carried out as part of the police department’s ongoing “Drug-Free Navi Mumbai” campaign, aimed at preventing the sale and circulation of illegal substances in the city.

Senior police officials, including Joint Commissioner of Police Deepak Sakore, were present during the disposal process. Police said that during Commissioner Milind Bharambe’s tenure of three years and nine months, Navi Mumbai Police seized drugs valued at around ₹139.74 crore in 393 cases.

Over the last five years, police have registered 2,387 drug-related cases, arrested nearly 3,200 people, and seized about 1,078 kg of narcotics. Along with enforcement, the police are focusing on prevention by conducting awareness programmes in schools, colleges and public places. Officials are trying to educate young people about the dangers and long-term effects of drug use. Citizens can also report information about the sale, storage or transportation of drugs through the police helpline 8828-112-112, with information kept confidential.