Use of firecrackers, loud speakers at night take toll on people

Srinagar, Oct 12: Amid the peak marriage season, people from various areas are voicing concerns over the nuisance caused by the use of firecrackers and loud music in marriage functions held both in homes and marriage halls.

Residents said that many of the marriage halls are located in densely populated residential areas, making the issue worse.  They said that loud late-night music, indiscriminate use of firecrackers, and haphazard parking lead to traffic chaos outside marriage venues. They said the celebrations have turned into a major source of inconvenience, especially during night hours.

At Batamaloo’s Shah Faisalabad Colony, residents have been complaining about the constant disturbance from a nearby marriage hall. “Every other night there’s loud music till late hours, cars blocking lanes, and smoke entering our homes because the hall doesn’t even have a proper chimney. We have elderly people and patients at home. They can’t sleep properly,” said Mubashir Ahmad, a local resident from Batamaloo.

Locals said that despite repeated complaints, no effective measures have been taken to regulate such venues. “Parking is a mess and guests occupy every inch of the road, leading to frequent traffic jams,” another resident added.

Locals in other Srinagar areas said that the problem is not confined to marriage halls alone. They said in many neighborhoods, families hosting weddings at home have also been found violating noise norms. A resident from Khanyar locality told Greater Kashmir that his area recently witnessed three days of continuous music and fireworks. “We all understand it’s a time of happiness, and we share the joy of those getting married. But it must be done in a civilized manner. There are patients, elderly people, and students preparing for exams who suffer because of such disregard,” said a local resident.

At Natipora, a resident said that while some marriage halls have started following certain restrictions like banning loud music, the issue of traffic congestion persists. “At one of the halls here, they don’t allow loud music, but there’s still chaos on the roads. Guests park vehicles everywhere, causing inconvenience to commuters,” Said Musaib Ahmad, a local from Natipora.

With dozens of marriage halls scattered across Srinagar, and many of them built adjacent to residential areas, locals say the lack of regulation is affecting their peace and health. “It’s not about stopping celebrations. It’s about celebrating responsibly,” said another local.

Last month, panic gripped the area near the Passport Office in Srinagar after a suspicious object was spotted, prompting a security alert. Police later clarified that it turned out to be firecrackers used during a nearby marriage celebration.

Following such incidents, police issued an advisory urging people to refrain from using firecrackers during weddings in accordance with the directives of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Supreme Court. “People are requested to strictly avoid the use of firecrackers as they pose safety and environmental hazards,” the advisory read.

Religious leaders have also voiced concern, urging the community to observe modesty and discipline in wedding celebrations. “Marriage is a sacred bond meant to spread happiness. But that happiness should not come at the cost of others’ peace,” said a religious scholar.