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.

New facility aims to make science learning more engaging through technology and hands-on exhibits.

The Exhibition

Science learning could soon become more interactive for children and families in Navi Mumbai, with the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) planning a major exhibition at the Science Park in Nerul.

The civic body has proposed spending around Rs 105 crore on the project, which will introduce technology-based and hands-on exhibits to help visitors understand scientific concepts in a more interesting way. The proposed exhibition will cover topics such as human biology, DNA, cells, eyesight, hearing, ageing and the human body. Instead of simply reading information, visitors will be able to learn through interactive models, digital screens and practical activities.

Among the planned attractions are a DNA puzzle, cell laboratory, digital microscope, body mirror, BMI station, giant ear, hearing test and adjustable eye model. These exhibits are expected to give students an opportunity to explore scientific concepts by actually interacting with them. The project is part of NMMC’s efforts to develop the Nerul Science Park into a modern educational and recreational destination. The aim is to encourage curiosity and make learning more enjoyable, particularly for school and college students.

NMMC had issued a tender for interior work, science-themed exhibits and related services. The estimated tender value was around Rs 104.36 crore. If implemented, the project could give Navi Mumbai residents a new space where education and technology come together, allowing children to learn science through experience rather than textbooks alone.