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Zoo Animals Disturbed by Festival Noise
26 Sep
Summary
- Zoo animals, especially tigers, are sensitive to loud festival noises.
- Procession routes for festivals are not clearly defined by authorities.
- Noise pollution rules exist but enforcement and data collection are lacking.
Festival celebrations in south-east Delhi, including Ganapati immersion processions, generated considerable noise that affected wildlife at the National Zoological Park. Zoo officials confirmed that loud sounds can disturb animals, with solitary carnivores such as tigers being particularly sensitive. The issue is exacerbated by the absence of designated routes for processions, making it difficult for traffic officials to manage movement and control noise levels.
Green belts near the zoo offer some sound insulation, but noise levels still reach enclosures along Mathura Road. Unlike group-dwelling animals, solitary ones can become agitated. During events like Diwali, loud noises force animals indoors, and staff monitor those in open enclosures. Experts emphasize that loud noise triggers a primal panic response in animals due to their heightened sensitivity, potentially leading to disorientation and danger.
Residents also experienced significant noise disruptions, with one Sundar Nagar resident noting the sound compelled them to find quiet corners of their home. While regulations like the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, govern loudspeaker usage, district administration officials acknowledged a lack of data on immersion numbers, routes, and actual noise levels, despite coordination meetings.
