Noida: The annual Durga Puja festivities at Lotus Panache Apartments in Noida, celebrated with much fanfare, faced criticism from residents due to high noise levels and safety concerns during the event. While the society received compliments for its Kedarnath-style pandal, the reality was harsher for many residents. Heart patients, pregnant women and senior citizens reported discomfort, as the loud music and uncontrolled sound increased their heart rates and blood pressure, causing significant distress.
Residents addressed a letter to Vidhyanchal Tiwari, In-Charge SHO, Phase 2, Noida, highlighting the use of flammable and toxic thermocol materials in pandal constructions near Towers 9, 10, 11, and 30, which raised safety concerns for residents and property.
Earlier, a meeting had been held at the Green Park Durga Puja Pandal, where the LPAOA (Lotus Panache Apartment Owners Association) management board and the Durga Puja organizing committee discussed these concerns with police officials. During the meeting, several safety measures were agreed upon:
- Fire safety – A fire truck was stationed at the venue throughout the event.
- Noise regulations – Following the 2000 Noise Pollution Rules and directives from the High Court and Supreme Court, no loudspeaker usage was permitted after 10 PM.
- Security measures – Steps were taken to prevent unauthorized entry by outsiders who could disrupt law and order.
Despite these measures, music levels reportedly reached as high as 191 dBA, disturbing residents and prompting repeated police interventions. The letter stressed that while the festival aimed to celebrate tradition, unsafe practices and excessive noise by a few participants put many residents, especially the vulnerable, at serious risk.
Residents expressed gratitude to the police for their timely interventions and urged that future celebrations strictly adhere to safety and noise regulations to protect lives, health, and property.