The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has officially declared 594 locations across the city—including 288 schools and hospitals and 306 religious establishments—as Silence Zones, complying with a directive issued by the Bombay High Court.
The move came after social activists filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in 2024, demanding the classification of these sensitive areas. Activist Mangesh Mhatre said they had been urging authorities for years to safeguard educational, medical and religious sites from rising noise pollution. Despite submitting a detailed survey to the Town Planning Department, no action was taken until the High Court intervened and instructed the civic body to finalize the decision within two months.
Police have already initiated action against violators. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 5) Prashant Kadam confirmed that a case has been registered at Chitalsar Police Station and five individuals have been detained and issued notices under Section 35(3) for violating silence zone norms.
NMMC officials stated that the newly notified Silence Zones will help regulate noise more effectively and ensure a peaceful environment for students, patients and worshippers.
