PCB data declares Hyderabad ‘quiet’, residents decry late-night din

Hyderabad has ranked among the quietest cities in recent days, with Abids emerging as the calmest area, according to data from the Telangana State Pollution Control Board. In August, the busy commercial hub recorded average noise levels of 48.93 dB during the day and 46.80 dB at night.

During the three days of Ganesh idol immersion processions, the Paradise area also reported unusually low readings — 49.95 dB on August 29, 43.85 dB on August 30 and 40.35 dB on August 31. Remarkably, on August 31, the daytime decibel level at Paradise dropped to 37.71 dB, quieter than a library (around 40 dB) and even below the 50 dB typical of a large office.

For context, our own measurements using both an app and a digital sound meter showed that the thrum of the air-conditioning inside a Metro train registered 60 dB, while announcements touched 72 dB. Outside the Parade Ground Metro Station, road noise measured 83.2 dB on the device and 90.1 dB on the app, even when traffic was relatively sparse.

In contrast to the city’s quiet daytime profile, residents have raised concerns about late-night noise when Ganesh idol processions pass through residential areas. “I have not been able to sleep for the past week. I have given up on complaining to the police because by the time they arrive, the procession has already moved on,” said a resident of Ammuguda near Sainikpuri.

“Hello sir, I want to inform you that there is lots of noise due to the Ganesh visarjan loud speakers are being played at this time area in Qutbullapur, Godavari Homes,  Gayatri Nagar. Who is giving permission for late night?” posted a resident of the area on ‘X’, tagging Telangana Police and the DGP at 12.52 a.m. on September 5. 

Sometimes, the police are able to respond, making citizens happy. “I really appreciate the prompt action taken by the Nacharam police in Ravindra Nagar Colony, Nacharam, for stopping the unbearably loud noise caused by a band in the name of Ganesh nimajjanam and affecting our sleep and health. Thank you and keep up your good work,” wrote another social media user. 

Interestingly, during last year’s Ganesh festival, Hyderabad police had imposed a ban on the use of large audio speakers known in the local parlance as DJ. This year, the police have asked for ‘cooperation’ from the organisers to curb DJ sound levels.