View source for Awaaz Foundation

{{Use British English|date=June 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Infobox organisation
|name         = Awaaz Foundation
|image        = Awaaz logo.jpg
|size         = 162px
|formation    = 2006
|type         = Non-governmental organisation
|status       = Charitable Trust
|purpose      = 
|headquarters = [[Mumbai]]
|coords       = 
|region_served = India
|leader_title = President of Foundation
|leader_name  = Sumaira Abdulali
|parent_organization =
|website      = {{URL|http://www.awaazfoundation.org}}
}}
'''Awaaz Foundation''' (meaning "the organisation against sound" – "Awaaz" means "sound" in [[Urdu]]) is a [[charitable trust]] and non-governmental organisation in [[Mumbai]], India which builds awareness, carries out advocacy, and is involved in educational projects to [[Environmentalism|protect the environment]] and prevent [[Pollution|environmental pollution]]. It has impacted many important decisions by the government and influenced policy making in important environmental matters in India. The beneficiaries of the Foundation are the citizens of India at large.

Awaaz Foundation was founded on 21 February 2006 by [[Sumaira Abdulali]], a well-known environmentalist, who has exposed many scandals of environmental villainy in India at personal risk. The Foundation has filed several [[Public Interest Litigation|public interest litigation]]s, including demands for strict implementation of [[noise pollution]] laws,<ref>{{cite news| url=https://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-10-03/world/42633272_1_awaaz-foundation-sumaira-abdulali-noise-pollution | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131015124858/http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-10-03/world/42633272_1_awaaz-foundation-sumaira-abdulali-noise-pollution | url-status=dead | archive-date=15 October 2013 | work=The Washington Post | first=Rama | last=Lakshmi | title=Sumaira Abdulali fights to lower noise levels in Mumbai, India's capital of noise | date=10 October 2013}}</ref> better functioning of Mumbai's Tree Authority,<ref name="Tree-felling allowed after citizens complained: authority to HC">
{{cite news
 |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/treefelling-allowed-after-citizens-complained-authority-to-hc/445378/ 
 |title=Tree-felling allowed after citizens complained: authority to HC 
 |date=10 April 2009 
 |publisher=Indian Express News Service 
 |accessdate=20 October 2010 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010190611/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/treefelling-allowed-after-citizens-complained-authority-to-hc/445378/ 
 |archivedate=10 October 2012 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref> reducing noise pollution, banning sale of tobacco to minors,<ref name="Banning tobacco sale near schools">
{{cite web|url=http://www.cigarettesreviews.com/banning-tobacco-sale-near-schools
|title=Banning tobacco sale near schools
|date=10 July 2009
|publisher=cigarettesreviews.com
|accessdate=20 October 2010}}</ref> efforts to counter the politically sponsored [[sand mining]] mafia<ref name="Sand mafia attacks TOI team in Raigad">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Sand-mafia-attacks-TOI-team-in-Raigad/articleshow/5692010.cms
|title=Sand mafia attacks TOI team in Raigad
|author=Viju B|date=17 March 2010
|work= The Times of India
|accessdate=20 October 2010}}</ref><ref name="How sand mining mafia is plundering beaches, creeks">{{cite web
 |url=http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4551099 
 |title=How sand mining mafia is plundering beaches, creeks 
 |publisher=Khaleej Times, Dubai, United Arab Emirates 
 |accessdate=16 October 2010 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120322115024/http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4551099 
 |archivedate=22 March 2012 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref><ref name="Sand dredging beingdone at Bankot creek on the Konkan coast.">{{cite web|url=http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=20100910271802500.htm&date=fl2718/&prd=fline&
|title=Revenge attacks
|publisher=hinduonnet.com
|accessdate=20 October 2010}}</ref> and recognition of the biodiverse Sawantwadi-Dodamarg [[wildlife corridor]] as an [[Eco-Sensitive Zone|ecologically sensitive area]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/declare-sawantwadi-corridor-ecologically-sensitive-by-dec/1175383 |title='Declare Sawantwadi corridor ecologically sensitive by Dec' |date=28 September 2013 |publisher=Indian Express News Service |accessdate=13 June 2020}}</ref>

==Noise pollution==

[[File:Decibel reading during Ganpati 2013.jpg|thumb|250px|Indian festivals, increasingly commercialised and politicised, are becoming louder and show record peak levels in spite of increased public awareness and better implementation of time limits following Court Orders.]] [[File:Firecrackers on road with traffic.JPG|250px|thumb|Use of firecrackers is increasing and they are now used round the year for every kind of celebration including weddings, cricket matches, Hindu, Muslim and Christian festivals and other miscellaneous events. These firecrackers are being lighted on public roads with traffic passing over them momentarily.]] [[File:Faiz Abdulali recording noise from Traffic in Mumbai.JPG|thumb|Mumbai is the noisiest city in the world and traffic is a continuous source of noise. An auto rickshaw in Mumbai measures 82.6 dB during this recording by Awaaz Foundation]]
[[Noise pollution]] is a serious health hazard and can cause [[annoyance]] and [[aggression]], [[hypertension]], high stress levels, [[tinnitus]], hearing loss, sleep disturbances, heart disease, mental illness and other serious effects on health. Like smoking, noise pollution affects active and passive recipients when noise levels cross certain safe boundaries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mid-day.com/lifestyle/2012/oct/021012-Mumbai-Health-noise-pollution-eardrums-hazardous-affect-Ganpati-Visarjan.htm|title=Is all this noise pollution in Mumbai hazardous for you?|website=www.mid-day.com}}</ref><ref name="Make some noise about sound pollution too">{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/bangalore/report_make-some-noise-about-sound-pollution-too_1351475|title=Make some noise about sound pollution too|last=Rao|first=Prahlad |date=23 February 2010|publisher=DNA|accessdate=29 December 2010|location=Bangalore}}</ref><ref name="World Health organisation – Noise">
{{cite web
|url=http://www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/health-topics/environmental-health/noise
|title=World Health organization- Noise 
|accessdate=16 October 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101014073407/http://www.euro.who.int/en/what-we-do/health-topics/environmental-health/noise| archivedate= 14 October 2010 | url-status= live}}
</ref> Anti-Social behaviour such as public use of firecrackers and [[Loudspeakers]]<ref name="Loudspeakers blaring out 'azaan' atop mosques in Bhendi Bazar and Behrampada areas disturb sleep and children's studies. Action should be taken against them also">
{{cite news|url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/police-case-against-shiv-sena-for-noise-pollution-61044
|title=Police case against Shiv Sena for noise pollution
|author=NDTV Correspondents
|date=20 October 2010
|publisher=NDTV
|accessdate=20 October 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101023063817/http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/police-case-against-shiv-sena-for-noise-pollution-61044| archivedate= 23 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Noisy Shiv Sena wants action against loudspeakers atop mosques">
{{cite news|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Noisy-Shiv-Sena-wants-action-against-loudspeakers-atop-mosques/Article1-615280.aspx#disqus_thread
|title=Noisy Shiv Sena wants action against loudspeakers atop mosques
|author=Press Trust of India
|date=20 October 2010
|work=Hindustan Times 
|accessdate=20 October 2010
|location=Mumbai| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101021141638/http://www.hindustantimes.com/noisy-shiv-sena-wants-action-against-loudspeakers-atop-mosques/article1-615280.aspx| archivedate= 21 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> is a highly sensitive social issue<ref name="Under fire for noise, Sena says ban masjid mikes too">
{{cite news
|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/under-fire-for-noise-sena-says-ban-masjid-mikes-too/700273/
|title=Under fire for noise, Sena says ban masjid mikes too
|author=Express News Service
|date=21 October 2010
|publisher=Indian Express News Service
|accessdate=21 October 2010
|location=Mumbai- India}}</ref><ref name="What about loudspeakers atop mosques, asks Shiv Sena">
{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_what-about-loudspeakers-atop-mosques-asks-shiv-sena_1455321
|title=What about loudspeakers atop mosques, asks Shiv Sena
|author=PTI
|date=20 October 2010
|work=Daily news and analysis |accessdate=20 October 2010
|location=Mumbai- India| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101023060120/http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_what-about-loudspeakers-atop-mosques-asks-shiv-sena_1455321| archivedate= 23 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="High-decibel Diwali brought to CM's notice">
{{cite news
|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/highdecibel-diwali-brought-to-cms-notice/530624/2
|title=High-decibel Diwali brought to CM's notice
|last=Kaushik
|first=Nitya 
|date=20 October 2009
|work=The Indian Express
|accessdate=17 October 2010|location=Mumbai}}
</ref> in India.<ref name="मस्जिद से अजान के दौरान लाउडस्‍पीकर पर जो आवाज आती है उससे बच्‍चे और वृद्ध भी प्रभावित होते हैं. उस पर भी मामला दर्ज होना चाहिए">
{{cite news
|url=http://aajtak.intoday.in/story.php/content/view/41886/9/78/Police-case-against-Shiv-Sena-for-noise-pollution.html
|title=मुंबई: शिवसेना के रैली आयोजकों के खिलाफ दूसरा केस दर्ज हुआ
|author=Aaj Tak 
|date=20 October 2010
|publisher=Aaj Tak (IndiaToday Group)
|language=Hindi
|accessdate=20 October 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101021204548/http://aajtak.intoday.in/story.php/content/view/41886/9/78/Police-case-against-Shiv-Sena-for-noise-pollution.html| archivedate= 21 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Combating noise pollution">
{{cite journal
|last=Manuel
|first=Roshni
|date=31 March 2009
|title=Combating noise pollution
|publisher=legal service india.com
|url=http://www.legalserviceindia.com/article/l333-Combating-noise-pollution.html|accessdate=16 October 2010}}</ref> 
Among the major forms of pollution in India is noise pollution. There is no parallel in the world to the noise pollution generated during festivals and religious celebrations in India.<ref name="Judge call for noise-norm vigil">
{{cite news
|url=http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101020/jsp/calcutta/story_13075183.jsp
|title=Judge call for noise-norm vigil
|date=20 October 2010
|newspaper=The Telegraph
|accessdate=21 October 2010
|location=Kolkata| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101024132103/http://www.telegraphindia.com/1101020/jsp/calcutta/story_13075183.jsp| archivedate= 24 October 2010 | url-status= live | first=Our | last=Legal}}</ref><ref name="Dagduseth mandal in trouble for breaching noise norms">
{{cite news
 |url=http://www.punemirror.in/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=News%20-%20City&sectid=2&contentid=20100923201009232239177246703276d 
 |title=Dagduseth mandal in trouble for breaching noise norms, Belbaug witnesses tense moments after a few mandals obstruct procession, after police allowed Dagdusheth Halwai Ganpati Mandal to violate noise norms 
 |last=Deshmukh 
 |first=Chaitraly 
 |date=23 September 2010 
 |newspaper=Pune Mirror 
 |accessdate=21 October 2010 
 |location=Pune 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718045534/http://www.punemirror.in/index.aspx?Page=article&sectname=News%20-%20City&sectid=2&contentid=20100923201009232239177246703276d 
 |archivedate=18 July 2011 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref><ref name="Noise norms violated, cases against mandals">
{{cite news
 |url=http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/noise-norms-violated-cases-against-mandals/686818/ 
 |title=Noise norms violated, cases against mandals 
 |author=Express News Service 
 |date=24 September 2010 
 |publisher=Indian Express News Service 
 |accessdate=21 October 2010 
 |location=Pune 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121010190750/http://www.expressindia.com/latest-news/noise-norms-violated-cases-against-mandals/686818/ 
 |archivedate=10 October 2012 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref> For Indians, making noise is a sign of happiness. For politicians the ability to make a big noise, by using huge loudspeakers at any opportunity, is a sign of strength. Festivals in India have become political battlegrounds as politicians try to score brownie points over one another by attempting to host the noisiest festival.<ref name="गणेशोत्सवात डॉल्बीवर बंदी घालू नये">{{cite news|url=http://www.esakal.com/esakal/20100829/5028989584410013447.htm|title=गणेशोत्सवात डॉल्बीवर बंदी घालू नये|date=29 August 2010|publisher=esakal|language=Marathi|accessdate=28 December 2010|location=Kolhapur|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110120151723/http://esakal.com/esakal/20100829/5028989584410013447.htm|archivedate=20 January 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref> The use of loudspeakers, permitted by the courts on certain occasions, often exceeds the permissible decibel limit, causing a great deal of stress and anxiety to the neighbourhoods.<ref name="Zones of silence bring permanent hush hour to Mumbai">
{{cite news
|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/asia/article5904051.ece
|title=Zones of silence bring permanent hush hour to Mumbai
|last=Blakely
|first=Rhys 
|date=14 March 2009
|publisher=Times Newspapers London
|accessdate=17 October 2010
|location=London}}</ref>

Awaaz Foundation has [[Advocacy|advocated]] against noise pollution from various sources and has conducted campaigns to create awareness of adverse health effects from noise in a methodical and scientific manner.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_advocacy/Entries/2013/8/5_The_Anti_-_Noise_pollution_campaign_in_India_by_Faiz_Abdulali.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-09-29 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202100232/http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_advocacy/Entries/2013/8/5_The_Anti_-_Noise_pollution_campaign_in_India_by_Faiz_Abdulali.html |archivedate=2 December 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.outlookindia.com/article.aspx?287762 |title = Sumaira Abdulali &#124; Outlook India Magazine}}</ref><ref name="A Voice Against Deafening Noise- Mitali Patel reports on the efforts of Awaaz, which is campaigning against noise pollution">
{{cite journal
|last=Patel
|first=Mitali 
|date=3 January 2008 
|title=Mitali Patel reports on the efforts of Awaaz, which is campaigning against noise pollution
|journal=Moneylife Personal Finance Magazine
|url=http://www.moneylife.in/article/78/146.html|accessdate=17 October 2010}}</ref> The various noise pollution campaigns of the Foundation have received widespread public support and turned into a public movement in Mumbai followed by the rest of the country. Increased awareness and vigilance of citizens has resulted in policy change, better systems and better implementation of Noise Rules.<ref name="डॉल्बीच्या दणदणाटाबद्दल सहा मंडळांवर गुन्हे दाखल">{{cite news|url=http://www.esakal.com/esakal/20101228/4679021550808192873.htm|title=डॉल्बीच्या दणदणाटाबद्दल सहा मंडळांवर गुन्हे दाखल|date=28 December 2010|publisher=esakal|language=Marathi|accessdate=28 December 2010|location=Kolhapur|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110123150121/http://esakal.com/esakal/20101228/4679021550808192873.htm|archivedate=23 January 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="A baby got convulsions because of loud festival noise'">{{cite news
|url=http://www.livemint.com/2009/08/14205713/Freedom-from-noise--Sumaira-A.html
|title=Freedom from noise – Sumaira Abdulali
|author=Rachana Nakra
|date=14 August 2009
|publisher=livemint.com, Wall Street Journal
|accessdate=9 July 2013}}</ref><ref name="Katy Perry-Russell Brand wedding: FIR against resort for noise pollution">
{{cite news
|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_katy-perry-russell-brand-wedding-fir-against-resort-for-noise-pollution_1460034#comments
|title=Katy Perry-Russell Brand wedding: FIR against resort for noise pollution
|author=ANI
|date=30 October 2010
|work=Daily news and analysis |accessdate=30 October 2010
|location=Jaipur India| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101101190957/http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report_katy-perry-russell-brand-wedding-fir-against-resort-for-noise-pollution_1460034| archivedate= 1 November 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>
[[File:Awaaz Foundation measuring noise level Ganpati 2013.JPG|left|250px|thumb|Awaaz Foundation has measured noise levels from myriad sources including festivals, traffic, construction and religious places. This is a measurement during Ganpati 2013, the loudest festival in Mumbai.]]
Awaaz Foundation systematically collected noise pollution data for the first time in India, collated and presented it to the State and Union Governments, Courts, police and citizens.  Data was generated of noise levels at major events since 2003, from sources including firecrackers, traffic, loudspeakers, industrial equipment and construction.<ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes">{{cite news |title=Construction causes more noise than festival speakers |url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-05/pollution/39763497_1_awaaz-foundation-traffic-noise-sumaira-abdulali |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130703081605/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-06-05/pollution/39763497_1_awaaz-foundation-traffic-noise-sumaira-abdulali |url-status=dead |archive-date=3 July 2013 |newspaper=[[The Times of India]] |date=5 June 2013}}</ref>

In 2010 Awaaz Foundation tested noise levels of helicopters after several leading Industrialists applied for permission to build private helipads atop their residential buildings in densely populated areas of Mumbai. After the data was presented in court. permission to use private helipads in all urban areas of India were banned by the MoEF.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/No-private-helipads-Jairam/Article1-568355.aspx |title = Hindustan Times – Archive News}}</ref>

Also based on data presented to MoEF during the pendency of the public interest litigation in the Bombay High Court, Government of India's [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|Ministry of Environment and Forests]] accepted all recommendations by Awaaz Foundation on 11 January 2010 for stricter noise laws in the country and issued a new notification to ban use of loudspeakers, musical instruments and honking in the areas demarcated as silence zones, including areas around religious places throughout India.<ref name="Ministry of Environment and Forests Notification">
{{cite web|url=http://www.indiaenvironmentportal.org.in/files/158E.pdf|title=Ministry of Environment and Forests Notification 
|date=9 March 2009
|publisher=Government of India
|language=Hindi, English
|accessdate=21 October 2010
|location=New Delhi }}</ref>
The MoEF denied permission to the State Government of Maharashtra to permit private helipads for personal use of individuals atop residential buildings and included other sources of noise such as traffic and construction noise within the ambit of the Rules for the first time.<ref name="No private helipads in country: Jairam Ramesh">{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-private-helipads-in-country-Jairam-Ramesh/articleshow/6135489.cms |title=No private helipads in country: Jairam Ramesh |author=IANS |date=6 July 2010 |work= The Times of India |accessdate=25 October 2010 |location=New Delhi |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100709085731/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/No-private-helipads-in-country-Jairam-Ramesh/articleshow/6135489.cms |archivedate=9 July 2010 }}</ref>

Awaaz foundation filed a [[Public Interest Litigation]] on 12 November 2007 in Mumbai High Court<ref name="PIL No 85 of 2007 and affidavits in Mumbai High Court">
{{cite web
 |url=http://www.awaazfoundation.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_PIL_and_affidavits/Entries/2007/11/12_PIL_No_85_of_2007.html 
 |title=PIL No 85 of 2007 and affidavits In Mumbai High Court 
 |publisher=Awaaz Foundation 
 |accessdate=24 October 2010 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725025127/http://www.awaazfoundation.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_PIL_and_affidavits/Entries/2007/11/12_PIL_No_85_of_2007.html 
 |archivedate=25 July 2011 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref> seeking implementation of Noise Pollution Rules, 2000, which contemplate creation of silence zones around educational places, courts, hospitals and religious places also.

In 2009 the [[Bombay High Court]] accepted the need for implementation of stricter noise laws and ordered the State Government to implement Noise Pollution regulation rules notified by 'Central Pollution board', (one of the Subordinate and statutory bodies) of Government of India's [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|Ministry of Environment and Forests]]. Consequent to the Bombay High Court Order, the State Government of Maharashtra initially notified and asked municipal bodies in the state to demarcate an area of {{convert|100|m}} around educational institutions, hospitals and courts as silence zones but left out the areas surrounding religious places as silence zones. Awaaz Foundation once again petitioned the Court to have these places notified as silence zones.<ref name="Religious places within silence zone ambit: Govt">
{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Religious-places-within-silence-zone-ambit-Govt/articleshow/4916887.cms|title=Religious places within silence zone ambit: Govt
|last=Thomas
|first=Shibu 
|date= 21 August 2009
|work=The Times of India
|accessdate=17 October 2010
|location=Mumbai}}</ref> On 6 August 2009, the principal secretary of the Home Department, [[Government of Maharashtra]] in an affidavit told the court that about 1,313 religious places had been identified in the city of Mumbai and the BMC would put up Silence zone boards within three months.
 
[[File:Sumaira Abdulali recording noise under a Silence Zone board at a religious place.JPG|left|250px|thumb|Sumaira Abdulali recording noise under a Silence Zone board at a religious place]]
Finally on 20 Aug 2009 principal secretary (appeals and security) Government of Maharashtra Mr. Anna Dani filed an affidavit stating that a supplementary notification has been issued to include all religious places in silence zone, and has been circulated to all civic bodies in the state.<ref name="Affidavit of State Government of Maharashtra">
{{cite web
 |url=http://www.awaazfoundation.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_PIL_and_affidavits/Entries/2009/8/20_Affidavit_of_State_Government.html 
 |title=Affidavit of State Government of Maharashtra – THURSDAY 20 AUGUST 2009 
 |publisher=Awaaz Foundation 
 |accessdate=24 October 2010 
 |url-status=dead 
 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725024802/http://www.awaazfoundation.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_PIL_and_affidavits/Entries/2009/8/20_Affidavit_of_State_Government.html 
 |archivedate=25 July 2011 
 |df=dmy 
}}</ref>

Awaaz Foundation's advocacy against noise pollution in India motivated the Government of India to make rules and implement them. Awaaz Foundation has successfully petitioned both local and state governments in India to impose stricter noise pollution laws. Under the Environment Protection Act, in which the new Noise Pollution Rules are framed, violation of the rules is punishable with a Jail term of up to five years and fine of {{INRConvert|100000}}.<ref name="Under the Environment Protection Act, the fine is Rs. 100,000 and or with a five-year jail term">
{{cite news
 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Shiv-Sena-in-trouble-over-Dussehra-rally/Article1-615545.aspx
 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125084016/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Shiv-Sena-in-trouble-over-Dussehra-rally/Article1-615545.aspx
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-date=25 January 2013
 |title=Shiv Sena in trouble over Dussehra rally 
 |agency=Indo-Asian News Service 
 |date=20 October 2010 
 |work=Hindustan Times 
 |accessdate=20 October 2010 
 |location=Mumbai 
}}</ref><ref name="आठ डॉल्बी मालक, मंडळांना साडेपाच हजारांचा दंड">{{cite news|url=http://onlinenews1.lokmat.com/php/detailednews.php?id=KolhapurEdition-8-1-15-09-2010-b98da&ndate=2010-09-15&editionname=kolhapur |title=आठ डॉल्बी मालक, मंडळांना साडेपाच हजारांचा दंड |date=15 September 2010 |publisher=Lokmat Newspapers |language=Marathi |accessdate=28 December 2010 |location=Kolhapur |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110823174618/http://onlinenews1.lokmat.com/php/detailednews.php?id=KolhapurEdition-8-1-15-09-2010-b98da&ndate=2010-09-15&editionname=kolhapur |archivedate=23 August 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref name="Court nod for inquiry against Shiv Sena men under environment act">
   {{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_court-nod-for-inquiry-against-shiv-sena-men-under-environment-act_1455528|title=Court nod for inquiry against Shiv Sena men under environment act
    |author=Press Trust of India|date=20 October 2010
    |work=Daily News and Analysis |accessdate=20 October 2010
    |location=Mumbai}}
</ref><ref name="Court to hear Shiv Sena noise pollution case ">
   {{cite news|url=http://sify.com/news/court-to-hear-shiv-sena-noise-pollution-case-wednesday-news-national-kktuuraajjc.html
    |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110811174456/http://www.sify.com/news/court-to-hear-shiv-sena-noise-pollution-case-wednesday-news-national-kktuuraajjc.html
    |url-status=dead
    |archive-date=11 August 2011
    |title=Court to hear Shiv Sena noise pollution case 
  |date=19 October 2010
    |work=Sify News
    |accessdate=19 October 2010
    |location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref name="Police registered a complaint under the Environment Act against Shiv Sena">
   {{cite news|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/police-register-complaint-against-sena-rally-1.698912|title=Police registered a complaint under the Environment Act against Shiv Sena
    |last=Raghunath
    |first=Pamela 
  |date=19 October 2010
    |newspaper=Gulf News
    |accessdate=19 October 2010
    |location=Mumbai| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101023090409/http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/police-register-complaint-against-sena-rally-1.698912| archivedate= 23 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="Police lodge complaint on Sena rally noise, say peaked at nearly twice prescribed limit">
   {{cite news
    |url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/police-lodge-complaint-on-sena-rally-noise-say-peaked-at-nearly-twice-prescribed-limit/699401/
    |title=Police lodge complaint on Sena rally noise, say peaked at nearly twice prescribed limit
  |date=19 October 2010
    |publisher=Indian Express News Service
    |accessdate=19 October 2010|location=Mumbai}}</ref><ref name="Case against Sena over noise level at Mumbai rally">
   {{cite news
    |url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/116833/India/case-against-sena-over-noise-level-at-mumbai-rally.html
    |title=Case against Sena over noise level at Mumbai rally
    |author=Headlines Today Bureau
  |date=18 October 2010
    |work=India Today.
    |accessdate=19 October 2010
    |location=Mumbai- India| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101020175941/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/site/Story/116833/India/case-against-sena-over-noise-level-at-mumbai-rally.html| archivedate= 20 October 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref><ref name="State asks collectors to enforce noise pollution norms">
   {{cite news|url=http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/state-asks-collectors-to-enforce-noise-pollution-norms/391275/
    |title=State asks collectors to enforce noise pollution norms
    |date=9 April 2010
    |newspaper=Business Standard
    |accessdate=21 October 2010
    |location=Kolkata/ Bhubaneswar}}</ref>

Firecrackers, initially used mainly during the [[Diwali]] Festival, are now used to celebrate almost any occasion including weddings, cricket matches, and festivals of every community. Awaaz Foundation tested the noise levels of firecrackers along with the [[Maharashtra Pollution Control Board]] in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2013.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-15/mumbai/43065178_1_fire-crackers-maharashtra-pollution-control-board-atom-bombs | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131016104455/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-15/mumbai/43065178_1_fire-crackers-maharashtra-pollution-control-board-atom-bombs | url-status=dead | archive-date=16 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Noisy Diwali ahead as tests reveal most crackers violate decibel limits | date=15 October 2013}}</ref> The noise level of almost all crackers exceeded 100&nbsp;dB and some varieties consistently exceeded 125&nbsp;dB. Firecracker packaging did not disclose details of noise levels or chemical content or even the year of manufacture; the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) who is the Authority to check firecrackers at the stage of manufacture and the Arms and Explosives Department of the Mumbai Police who license firecracker vendors did not take action for many years following complaints of violations. In 2012, Awaaz Foundation, under Right to Information, obtained an Order to disclose details of all firecrackers tested by PESO on their website. Diwali 2012 was the quietest Diwali in recent years<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/noise-levels-crackers-be-put-web-site-1503#.UkeuJhY0Pdk|title=- Noise levels of crackers to be put on the web-site|publisher=RTI Foundation of India}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/noise-levels-crackers-be-put-web-site-1503#.UkefEhY0Pdk|title=Noise levels of crackers to be put on the web-site – RTI Foundation of India|website=www.rtifoundationofindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.asianage.com/mumbai/city-braces-itself-noisy-diwali-540|title=City braces itself for 'noisy' Diwali – The Asian Age}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mumbai-set-to-celebrate-a-greener-diwali-as-ngo-spreads-awareness-against-pollution/305349-3-237.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121116052548/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/mumbai-set-to-celebrate-a-greener-diwali-as-ngo-spreads-awareness-against-pollution/305349-3-237.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2012-11-16|title=News18.com: CNN-News18 Breaking News India, Latest News Headlines, Live News Updates|website=News18}}</ref> In 2013. the [[Mumbai Police]] undertook an awareness and enforcement campaign for the 10pm deadline on bursting crackers during the Diwali Festival. The Firecracker Distributors' Association of Mumbai and Thane also cooperated in this effort. Diwali 2013 was the quietest in a decade.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-02/mumbai/43610915_1_firecrackers-noise-free-diwali-awaaz-foundation | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131107042549/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-02/mumbai/43610915_1_firecrackers-noise-free-diwali-awaaz-foundation | url-status=dead | archive-date=7 November 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Cops to enforce 10pm deadline for firecrackers  | date=2 November 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-04/mumbai/43657348_1_noise-level-decibel-levels-noisy-crackers | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131107042607/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-11-04/mumbai/43657348_1_noise-level-decibel-levels-noisy-crackers | url-status=dead | archive-date=7 November 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Kudos to citizens for a less noisy Diwali this year| date=4 November 2013}}</ref>

Awaaz Foundation also has organised volunteers groups, offered them support and education to all those who faced noise related problems, independently monitored [[Ambient noise level]] using [[sound level meter]].<ref name="Bhandup was noisiest, Juhu surprisingly silent">
   {{cite news
 |url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bhandup-was-noisiest-Juhu-surprisingly-silent/Article1-603954.aspx
 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130125145503/http://www.hindustantimes.com/Bhandup-was-noisiest-Juhu-surprisingly-silent/Article1-603954.aspx
 |url-status=dead
 |archive-date=25 January 2013
 |title=Bhandup was noisiest, Juhu surprisingly silent 
 |last=Rebello 
 |first=Snehal 
 |date=24 September 2010 
 |work=Hindustan Times 
 |accessdate=17 October 2010 
 |location=Mumbai 
}}
</ref> and interacted with the authorities to ensure their support and co operation.<ref name="Awaaz Foundation, a prominent NGO working to contain noise levels in the city">
   {{cite news
    |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_mumbai-police-to-keep-a-close-watch-on-shiv-sena-s-dussehra-rally_1453940|title=Mumbai police to keep a close watch on Shiv Sena's Dussehra rally
    |author=PTI
  |date=17 October 2010
    |work=Daily news and analysis
    |location=Mumbai 
    |accessdate=17 October 2010}}</ref> Excessive noise from loudspeakers,<ref name="Religious places to be declared as silence zones">
   {{cite news
    |url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_religious-places-to-be-declared-as-silence-zones_1284047
    |title=Religious places to be declared as silence zones
    |author=PTI
  |date=20 August 2009
    |work=Daily news and analysis |location=India
    |accessdate=17 October 2010}}</ref> construction,<ref name="articles.timesofindia.indiatimes" /> traffic<ref>{{cite web|title=Traffic Noise in Mumbai |url=http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_from_Traffic/Entries/2013/1/16_Report_on_Traffic_Noise_-_Faiz_Abdulali.html |publisher=Awaaz Foundation |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131206020701/http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_from_Traffic/Entries/2013/1/16_Report_on_Traffic_Noise_-_Faiz_Abdulali.html |archivedate=6 December 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref> and firecrackers<ref name="Cops, BMC to enforce ban on crackers">
{{cite news
|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Cops-BMC-to-enforce-ban-on-crackers/articleshow/6765804.cms
|title=Cops, BMC to enforce ban on crackers
|last=Shivadekar
|first=Sanjeev
|date=17 October 2010
|work= The Times of India
|accessdate=20 October 2010}}
</ref><ref name="Cops have cracker of an idea">
{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_cops-have-cracker-of-an-idea_1197546
|title=Cops have cracker of an idea
|last=Aghor
|first=Ashwin 
|date= 13 October 2008
|work=Daily news and analysis
|location=Mumbai
|accessdate=17 October 2010}}</ref> have been separately taken up by Foundation at various times and with various authorities; educational programs and publications for schools, colleges, citizens groups and the authorities empowered to implement the laws have been supported and implemented.<ref name="Noise activists to monitor Navratri">
{{cite news|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report_noise-activists-to-monitor-navratri_1449244|title=Noise activists to monitor Navratri
|date=8 October 2010
|work=Daily news and analysis |location=India
|accessdate=16 October 2010}}</ref>

Awaaz Foundation encouraged citizen participation to implement noise rules by creating awareness about a free downloadable application onto phones to measure decibel levels. Awaaz requested citizens to complain to the Mumbai Police website with a copy to them for followup and received numerous complaints in the festival season 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-21/mumbai/34626868_1_decibel-levels-noise-levels-sumaira-abdulali|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103080045/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-21/mumbai/34626868_1_decibel-levels-noise-levels-sumaira-abdulali|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]| title=Now, check noise level with new app | date=21 October 2012}}</ref> In 2013, Awaaz Foundation used newly available technology called Noise Watch, a free App to use smartphones or iPhones as decibel meters to build a participatory citizens campaign to map noise levels across Mumbai. A Facebook page [https://www.facebook.com/citizensnoisemapawaazfoundation?fref=ts Citizens' Noise Map] supports the initiative and the readings taken by citizens are upload able directly onto a GIS map. The initiative caught on quickly during Ganpati 2013 and spread to other Indian cities such as Pune almost immediately. The citizens' noise map was sent to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra and spurred a decision of the Government to conduct a formal noise map of Mumbai.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-14/mumbai/42061875_1_noise-pollution-awaaz-foundation-sumaira-abdulali | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130928032442/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-09-14/mumbai/42061875_1_noise-pollution-awaaz-foundation-sumaira-abdulali | url-status=dead | archive-date=28 September 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Now, MMRDA to map noise levels | date=14 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/use-new-phone-app-to-check-noise-levels-in-your-area-and-post-it-on-fb/1168009/|title=Use new phone app to check noise levels in your area and post it on FB – Indian Express|website=www.indianexpress.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Citizens-noise-map-indicates-18-danger-zones/articleshow/22674094.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Citizens' noise map indicates 18 danger zones – The Times of India}}</ref>

Awaaz Foundation has conducted numerous awareness campaigns including #GetWellSoonMumbai, a social media campaign on [[Facebook]], #TellTheDriver not to honk in partnership with the Thane, Navi Mumbai and [[Mumbai Traffic Police]], #HornFllu in partnership with the [[Indian Medical Association]], Noise Annoys in partnership with the [[Times of India]] #YourAwaazAgainstNoise,  #GodsAgainstNoise.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.citylab.com/navigator/2016/09/the-fight-to-shush-indias-booming-festival-season/499013/|title=The Campaign to Quiet India's Loud Festival Season}}</ref> In 2015, community leaders carried out awareness drives to reduce noise from Mahim Fair and Eid e Milan through public Statements and grass root level campaigns<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Noise-levels-at-Mahim-Fair-higher-than-Eid-processions-says-NGO/articleshow/50327180.cms|title=Noise levels at Mahim Fair higher than Eid processions, says NGO – Times of India}}</ref>

Awaaz Foundation measured noise at the [[Shiv Sena]] Party's annual [[Navratri|Dasara]] Rally in 2010, 2011, 2012 2013, 2014 and 2015 and presented their findings to the Police and Bombay High Court. Based on these readings the police filed cases against Rally organizers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-26/mumbai/34748922_1_noise-levels-sumaira-abdulali-decibel-levels|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103102656/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-26/mumbai/34748922_1_noise-levels-sumaira-abdulali-decibel-levels|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]| title=Noise levels during Shiv Sena Dussehra rally reached a crescendo: Awaaz foundation | date=26 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-14/mumbai/43025565_1_silence-zone-awaaz-foundation-noise-levels | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131017205642/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-14/mumbai/43025565_1_silence-zone-awaaz-foundation-noise-levels | url-status=dead | archive-date=17 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Processions make Sena rally noisier this year | date=14 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-16/mumbai/43105307_1_shivaji-park-awaaz-foundation-sena-bhavan | archive-url=https://archive.today/20131017205618/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-16/mumbai/43105307_1_shivaji-park-awaaz-foundation-sena-bhavan | url-status=dead | archive-date=17 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Sena gets notice for Dussehra rally | date=16 October 2013}}</ref>

Following final hearings of Awaaz Foundation's PIL, clubbed with nine other PILs by the Bombay High Court in August 2016, a comprehensive final Order was passed. For the first time, noise levels during the Ganpati festival declined in 2016<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/ganeshotsav-opera-house-noisiest-for-2nd-year-in-a-row-mandals-flout-time-limit-rules/story-kzkb3wVxDEDtxbwI9X9VBM.html|title=Ganeshotsav: Opera House noisiest for 2nd year in a row; mandals cross deadline|date=16 September 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaisamachar.in/western-suburbs-news/andheri-news/noise-level-in-mumbai-during-ganesh-immersion-down-mpcb/|title=Mumbai Samachar is under construction|website=www.mumbaisamachar.in}}</ref> Noise levels declined again during Diwali 2016. Mumbai, which in January 2016 was named the noisiest city in India by the Central Pollution Control Board was the only city to see decline in noise levels during the Diwali Festival. The Mumbai Police issued a Statement thanking citizens of Mumbai for making noise pollution reduction a citizens' movement.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai-news/2016-was-an-important-year-for-anti-noise-movement-in-mumbai-says-activist/story-RzjTenpwCuEZgfAmz6XGmL.html|title=2016 was an important year for anti-noise movement in Mumbai, says activist|date=23 December 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Aware-citizens-helped-bring-down-noise-pollution-Police/articleshow/55303332.cms|title=Aware citizens helped bring down noise pollution: Police – Times of India}}</ref>

== Sand Mining ==
[[File:Coastal sand mining side event at CBD CoP11.jpg|thumb|Awaaz Foundation and BNHS created awareness against coastal sand mining for the first time in a national or international forum at the UN Convention on Biodiversity, Conference of Parties 11 in Hyderabad India in October 2012]]
[[File:Sand mining with suction pumps.jpg|thumb|Suction pumps can extract a large volume of sand in a short period of time and can also operate through the day and night and through all seasons to quickly denude an area of its sand.]] [[File:Extensive manual sand mining.JPG|thumb|Manual sand mining, although labour-intensive, can extract huge quantities of sand due to the sheer number of such miners at a given stretch. In Thane creek, hundreds of manual sand mining boats operate simultaneously.]] [[File:Child labour in sand mining.JPG|thumb|This 13-year-old boy has been mining sand manually for the past 3 years in an [[illegal sand mining]] operation near Mumbai.]] [[File:Loading illegally dredged sand.JPG|thumb|[[Illegal sand mining]] is extensive around cities like Mumbai where it is required for construction. There is often a link between politicians and illegal sand mining in India.]]

Awaaz Foundation has also worked to conserve the [[coastal ecosystems]] and [[aquatic ecosystem]] habitats, and has engaged in [[marine conservation activism]] against nonessential [[deep sea mining|seabed mining]]. Sand mining is a practice that is becoming an [[environmental issue]] in many countries. Awaaz Foundation has raised public awareness of illegal sand mining in Maharashtra and Goa States of India.

Illegal sand mining is a major unacknowledged threat to coastal and riverine [[biodiversity]] in India. The suspension of [[Indian Administrative Service]] officer Durga Shakti Nagpal for allegedly acting against illegal sand mining in Noida UP has brought the issue, which is rampant all across the country, into sharp focus.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-06/india/41131227_1_cbi-inquiry-sand-mafia-petition | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130929153416/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-06/india/41131227_1_cbi-inquiry-sand-mafia-petition | url-status=dead | archive-date=29 September 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Let CBI probe Durga's suspension, activists say | date=6 August 2013}}</ref>

Sand mining is a little known threat to [[biodiversity]], [[water security]] and prime coastal or riverside land all over the world and is capable of causing land erosion, contaminating sweet water along coastlines and rivers, and destroying entire [[habitats]] in a very short space of time. While there are numerous scientific studies on habitat degradation for various other reasons, and specific studies on loss of various species of [[flora and fauna]], there is no official information available on the effect on entire [[ecosystems]] due to large scale illegal sand mining, particularly coastal sand mining. The issue was brought to attention at any national or international forum for the first time through a side event [http://www.cbd.int/kb/record/sideEvent/2682?RecordType=sideEvent&Event=COP-11 The effect of coastal sand mining on biodiversity] at the [[Convention on Biological Diversity]] Conference of Parties 11 by Awaaz Foundation and [[Bombay Natural History Society]](BNHS) in October 2012. In August 2013, the National Green Tribunal banned sand mining in rivers across India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://dnasyndication.com/dna/TopNews/dna_english_news_and_features/Green-clearance-must-for-sand-mining/DNMUM282625|title=Green clearance must for sand mining – DNA – English News & Features – Top News|website=dnasyndication.com}}</ref> However, illegal sand mining on the coast around Mumbai continued even after the Order.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-09/mumbai/41236856_1_suction-pumps-illegal-sand-mining-sand-excavation | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130909051744/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-09/mumbai/41236856_1_suction-pumps-illegal-sand-mining-sand-excavation | url-status=dead | archive-date=9 September 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Sand-mining banned in Maharashtra but flourishes on Mumbai's outskirts | date=9 August 2013}}</ref>

The term sand mafia has been referred to by the Indian media while referring to those supporting or engaged in illegal sand mining (mainly politicians) who threaten, attack and kill Government and Police officers, activists or any other person who attempts to stop the illegal activity.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/when-mining-interests-prevail-over-sc-order-0|title=Downtoearth|website=www.downtoearth.org.in}}</ref> MITRA ([[Movement against Intimidation, Threat and Revenge against Activists]]), a network of NGOs to protect activists in Maharashtra was set up after an attack by the sand mafia on Awaaz Foundation Convenor Sumaira Abdulali in 2004.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-07-21/mumbai/27152168_1_mitra-activists-ngos | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102014209/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2004-07-21/mumbai/27152168_1_mitra-activists-ngos | url-status=dead | archive-date=2 January 2014 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=And now, a 'mitra' for whistle-blowers | date=21 July 2004}}</ref> This was the first publicly reported attack by the sand mafia but over the years there have been numerous others including a second attack on Sumaira Abdulali and a team of journalists, the murder of a Police Officer in Madhya Pradesh, murder of activists in Tamil Nadu and UP, and the suspension of IAS Durga Shakti Nagpal.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/now-sand-mining-mafia-attacks-government-officials-in-mp/article2981800.ece | location=Chennai, India | work=The Hindu | title=Now, sand mining mafia attacks government officials in M.P | date=10 March 2012}}</ref> Awaaz Foundation wrote to the Prime Minister of India protesting Durga Nagpal's transfer and demanded an investigation into the links between the transfer, the murder of activist Pale Ram Chauhan in the same area a few days later, and the politically led sand mafia of the region. An investigation was conducted by the MoEF and the presence of the sand mafia was confirmed. [https://web.archive.org/web/20131003052100/http://envfor.nic.in/content/report-moef-sand-mining Report of MoEF on sand mining]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/illegal-sand-mining-corruption-and-turf-wars/1/297908.html|title=A look into the dark and dangerous world of illegal sand mining|website=India Today}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-01/mumbai/40960455_1_sand-mining-sand-mafia-sand-wars | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824033424/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-08-01/mumbai/40960455_1_sand-mining-sand-mafia-sand-wars | url-status=dead | archive-date=24 August 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Awaaz Foundation launches online petition for CBI inquiry | date=1 August 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/1869189/report-here-is-how-you-can-support-suspended-ias-officer-durga-shakti-nagpal|title=Here's how you can support suspended IAS officer Durga Shakti Nagpal|date=2 August 2013}}</ref>

The State Government of Maharashtra first took serious note of illegal coastal sand mining in 2004 following an incident of assault at Kihim Beach on Sumaira Abdulali (Convenor of Awaaz Foundation) by the son and employees of a local [[Member of the Legislative Assembly (India)|Member of the Legislative Assembly]] who are part of an extensive politically controlled sand mafia in Maharashtra. After that, Awaaz Foundation filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the [[Bombay High Court]] seeking a ban on mining activities along the [[Konkan|Konkan coast]]. Following the PIL, the court banned mining in the CRZ (coastal regulation zone) area and directed that a comprehensive report on alternatives to sand dredging prepared by [[Indian Institute of Technology Bombay]] should be implemented by the State Government. The Report includes measures to compulsorily manufacture and use artificial sand from building debris, environmental cess on natural sand and more environmentally friendly techniques of sand dredging.<ref name="Bombay High Court slams police in Abdulali attack case">{{cite web|url=http://www.suchetadalal.com/?id=cf00fa41-5153-e2c0-4ba232f95eee&base=sections&f|title=Bombay High Court slams police in Abdulali attack case|last=Pillay|first=Amritha |date=18 March 2010|publisher=Sucheta Dalal .com|accessdate=25 October 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://m.gulfnews.com/environmentalist-appeals-to-save-land-1.793157|title=Environmentalist appeals to save land}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=8&sectid=edid=&edlabel=TOIM&mydateHid=05-06-2013&pubname=Times+of+India+-+Mumbai&edname=&articleid=Ar00801&publabel=TOI |title=Archived copy |access-date=29 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002035004/http://lite.epaper.timesofindia.com/mobile.aspx?article=yes&pageid=8&sectid=edid=&edlabel=TOIM&mydateHid=05-06-2013&pubname=Times+of+India+-+Mumbai&edname=&articleid=Ar00801&publabel=TOI |archive-date=2 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Sumaira Abdulali was attacked a second time in March 2010 at Mahad while inspecting a site where illegal sand dredging is rampant.<ref name="Sand mafia attacks TOI team in Raigad"/> Thereafter, the Bombay High Court has completely banned all sand mining activity in the State of [[Maharashtra]] and the Government has been forced to notify a completely new Policy on sand mining after considering the IIT Bombay Report.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/HC-bans-sand-mining-across-Maharashtra/articleshow/6623432.cms
|title=HC bans sand mining across Maharashtra
|date=25 September 2010 
|work= The Times of India
|accessdate=16 October 2010
|location=Mumbai}}
</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/State-panel-on-sand-mining-has-only-netas/articleshow/6695424.cms
|title=State panel on sand mining has only netas 
|last=Shivadekar
|first=Sanjeev 
|date=6 October 2010
|work= The Times of India
|accessdate=19 October 2010
|location=Mumbai}}</ref>

Sumaira Abdulali of Awaaz foundation raised some specific queries under the [[Right to Information Act]] regarding number of licences issued to barges carrying sand from [[Raigad district]] to Mumbai and [[Navi Mumbai]] along with the name of barges owners, conditions for operations as well as the number of inspections deployed to check if any contraband material was being smuggled into the [[jetty]]. The MMB did not respond for several months, then foundation filed these queries with the Maharashtra State Information Commission. Thereafter, the concerned agencies responded that neither The [[Maharashtra Maritime Board]] (MMB) nor [[Ministry of Shipping (India)|Directorate-General of Shipping (DGS)]] nor The [[Indian Coast Guard]] maintain any records of the number of barges that move in and out of the inland waters on a day -to -day basis.<ref name="'Coastal agencies have no records of sand barges' ">
{{cite news
|url       =http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Coastal-agencies-have-no-records-of-sand-barges/articleshow/7045080.cms
|title     =Coastal agencies have no records of sand barges
|last      =Dec|first=Viju B
|date      =5 December 2010
|work      = The Times of India 
|accessdate=6 December 2010 
|location  =Mumbai}}</ref>
The new sand mining policy stipulates that the barges should be registered and the list should be updated with the local [[Tehsildar]]. The [[Maharashtra Maritime Board]] (MMB) will Provide No Objection Certificates to the sand barges that pass through the sea channel after the letters of approval from the district collector.

Awaaz Foundation inspected numerous illegal sand mining sites in the coastal areas near Mumbai including Thane, Vaitarna, Bankot Creeks, Kihim and Awas beaches and sent their findings to the MoEF, Government of Maharashtra, police and local authorities.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/1869629/report-a-sandstorm-is-coming-courtesy-sand-mafia-and-sand-mining|title=A sandstorm is coming: Courtesy sand mafia and sand mining|date=4 August 2013}}</ref> They were instrumental in bringing public awareness about illegal sand mining and political links to this activity. Awaaz Foundation published a Report ' The links between politicians and sand mining in and around Mumbai.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Sand_dredging/Entries/2012/10/4_The_link_between_politicians_and_sand_minin_gin_and_around_Mumbai_by_Laika_Abdulali.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2013-09-28 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131205234515/http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Sand_dredging/Entries/2012/10/4_The_link_between_politicians_and_sand_minin_gin_and_around_Mumbai_by_Laika_Abdulali.html |archivedate=5 December 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref> To control illegal sand mining controlled by politicians, Awaaz Foundation has proposed a specially trained environmental police in India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/need-environment-police-for-tackling-sand-mafia-sumaira-abdulali/413686-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131009233642/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/need-environment-police-for-tackling-sand-mafia-sumaira-abdulali/413686-3.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=2013-10-09|title=News18.com: CNN-News18 Breaking News India, Latest News Headlines, Live News Updates|website=News18}}</ref>

To advocate policy change and raise awareness internationally, Awaaz Foundation participated and raised awareness for the first time in any national or International Convention through a side event in the Conference of Parties 11 held under the United Nations [[Convention on Biological Diversity]] in Hyderabad India in October 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-19/hyderabad/34582991_1_convention-on-biological-diversity-biodiversity-nagoya-protocol|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103134109/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-19/hyderabad/34582991_1_convention-on-biological-diversity-biodiversity-nagoya-protocol|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]| title=No consensus yet on resource mobilisation | date=19 October 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-12/developmental-issues/34412066_1_sand-mafia-biodiversity-alternatives|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130103075803/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-10-12/developmental-issues/34412066_1_sand-mafia-biodiversity-alternatives|url-status=dead|archive-date=3 January 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]| title=Environmentalists urge alternatives to sand | date=12 October 2012}}</ref> Awaaz Foundation participated in the making of a documentary film on international coastal sand mining, [[Sand Wars]], directed by [[Denis Delestrac]].  Sand Wars had record viewership when shown on the French channel Arte.  Awaaz Foundation is advocating inclusion of coastal sand mining on the Agenda of the next Convention of Biodiversity Conference of Parties 12 in 2014 by writing to the Indian Government, who is its International custodian until October 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Illegal sand mining is new gold rush in India|url=http://gulfnews.com/news/world/india/illegal-sand-mining-is-new-gold-rush-in-india-1.1212130|newspaper=GulfNews|date=2013-07-22}}</ref>

In 2016, Awaaz Foundation once again represented to the [[United Nations]] that the ill effects of sand mining should form part of the global agenda of the [[United Nations Environment Programme]] during a meeting with Mr [[Erik Solheim]], chief of [[UNEP]]. They also pressed for mainstreaming of alternative methods of building and road construction using recycled debris and plastics, which have been successful in pilot and small projects.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/mumbai/Put-sand-mining-on-UNDP-agenda-activist/article15423161.ece|title=Put sand mining on UNDP agenda: activist|date=3 October 2016|via=www.thehindu.com}}</ref>

In August 2016 a number of people lost their lives when a bridge was swept away at Mahad. The bridge was located near a sand mining site where Sumaira Abdulali had been attacked in 2010 during a sand mining site inspection. Sand mining equipment was found abandoned in the creek. Awaaz Foundation demanded an enquiry into the link between the collapse and nearby illegal sand mining, but Home Minister to the [[Government of Maharashtra]] [[Deepak Kesarkar]], without carrying out any enquiry, stated that there was no link.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-sand-mafia-free-run-abetted-mahad-tragedy-say-greens-2241220|title=Sand mafia free-run abetted Mahad tragedy, say greens|date=5 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-news-india/sand-mining-not-behind-mahad-bridge-collapse-maharashtra-minister-2962269/|title=Sand mining not behind Mahad bridge collapse: Maharashtra minister|date=8 August 2016}}</ref>

==Mining in dense forests==
[[File:Sawantwadi-Dodamarg Wildlife Corridor in the Western Ghats.jpg|thumb|300px|Sawantwadi-Dodamarg is one of the most thickly forested area in Maharashtra (49%) and is extremely biodiverse including tiger, elephant and a variety of indigenous flora and fauna.]]
<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:Western Ghats.JPG|thumb|left|285px|A view of Western Ghats near [[Radhanagri Wildlife Sanctuary]], India]] -->
In 2006, India applied to the [[UNESCO]] [[Man and the Biosphere Programme|MAB]] for the [[Western Ghats]] to be listed as a protected [[World Heritage Site]]. The Western Ghats is very important Tropical Rainforest of India. During the monsoon season between June and September, the unbroken Western Ghats chain acts as a barrier to the moisture laden clouds. The range starts near the border of [[Gujarat]] and Maharashtra, south of the River Tapti, and runs approximately {{convert|1600|km}} through the states of [[Maharashtra]], Goa, [[Karnataka]], Tamil Nadu and [[Kerala]] ending at Kanyakumari, at the southern tip of India, one of three [[Biodiversity hotspot]]s in the country.<ref name="UNESCO report on Western Ghats (sub cluster nomination)">{{cite web|url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/2103/|title=UNESCO report on Western Ghats (sub cluster nomination)|publisher=UNESCO World Heritage Centre|accessdate=26 October 2010| archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20101104163046/https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/2103/| archivedate= 4 November 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref>

The National Mineral Policy of India, 2008 rules that any abandoned mine "should be made richer than what it was before" through refilling the craters and reforestation, but most miners leave their mines in a state of utter decay and toxicity. According to the data available with the ministry's Indian Bureau of Mines, there are 297 abandoned mines across the country and most of them are yet to be "rehabilitated". To protect large-scale destruction of flora and [[Fauna of India|fauna]] around [[Western Ghats]]. Awaaz Foundation is advocating a zero-mining policy.<ref>
{{cite news |url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Do-not-allow-mining-in-dense-forests-say-greens/articleshow/6765694.cms
|title=Do not allow mining in dense forests, say greens 
|last=Viju B
|date=17 October 2010
|work= The Times of India
|accessdate=19 October 2010}}</ref>

[[File:Tiger God worshipped by villagers at the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg wildlife corridor.jpg|left|300px|thumb|After 49 mining licenses were sanctioned by the Government of Maharashtra, 22 villages of the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg wildlife corridor made official representations to have their area notified as eco sensitive. Tiger is often spotted here and this is the Tiger God they worship.]]
Awaaz Foundation successfully filed public interest litigation to declare the [[Sawantwadi]]–[[Dodamarg]] wildlife corridor as an eco sensitive area.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-04/mumbai/29508187_1_mining-leases-eco-sensitive-sawantwadi-dodamarg | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130928022028/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-05-04/mumbai/29508187_1_mining-leases-eco-sensitive-sawantwadi-dodamarg | url-status=dead | archive-date=28 September 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=PIL seeks to put an end to mining in green zone | date=4 May 2011}}</ref> The State Government of Maharashtra had sanctioned 49 mines in the area,<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-15/developmental-issues/28264752_1_mining-leases-kalane-sawantwadi-dodamarg | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222074558/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-10-15/developmental-issues/28264752_1_mining-leases-kalane-sawantwadi-dodamarg | url-status=dead | archive-date=22 February 2012 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Mining blow to Western Ghats | date=15 October 2010}}</ref> even though its own record shows that the corridor, connecting national parks such as [[Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary]] in Maharashtra with those in Goa and Karnataka, abounds in indigenous flora and fauna including tiger and elephant and has the highest green cover in Maharashtra (49%). Sawantwadi-Dodamarg, due to its many natural springs and high rainfall, is also a source area for rivers which feed water to Goa. 22 villages signed resolutions not to allow mines in their area.<ref>http://southasia.oneworld.net/news/mining-sanction-to-steer-india-towards-ecological-ruin#.UkYivhY0Pdk</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.minesandcommunities.org/article.php?a=10467|title=India: Mining set to conquer unique coastal strip|website=www.minesandcommunities.org}}</ref>

The [[Ministry of Environment and Forests (India)|ministry of environment and forests of Government of India]] appointed two high levels Committees to recommend the type of development which should take place in the [[Western Ghats]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/eco-news/kasturirangan-panel-bats-for-prohibitory-regime-in-western-ghats_842813.html|title=Kasturirangan panel bats for prohibitory regime in Western Ghats|date=17 April 2013}}</ref> Initially, the MoEF appointed the Western Ghat Ecology Expert Panel headed by ecologist Dr. [[Madhav Gadgil]] but suppressed its Report which recommended that the entire Western Ghats were eco sensitive to varying degrees.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-19/pune/30642362_1_moef-wgeep-report | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130528222401/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-01-19/pune/30642362_1_moef-wgeep-report | url-status=dead | archive-date=28 May 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=NGO writes to MoEF requesting W Ghats report | date=19 January 2012}}</ref> Awaaz Foundation and other concerned citizens filed Right to Information applications which resulted in the Report being made public over 6 months after it was finalised.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.downtoearth.org.in/content/environment-ministry-s-desperate-attempts-suppress-expert-panel-report-western-ghats|title=Downtoearth|website=www.downtoearth.org.in}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-20/mumbai/31787689_1_western-ghats-strategic-interests-public-interest | archive-url=https://archive.today/20130928032432/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-05-20/mumbai/31787689_1_western-ghats-strategic-interests-public-interest | url-status=dead | archive-date=28 September 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title='Make report on Western Ghats public' | date=20 May 2012}}</ref> Amid growing demand for implementation of the Western Ghat Ecology Expert Panel, the Government appointed another Committee chaired by [[Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan|Dr. Krishnaswamy Kasturirangan]] to assess the recommendations of the Western Ghat Ecology Expert Panel Report.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://epaper.dnaindia.com/story.aspx?id=25265&boxid=13651&ed_date=2012-8-22&ed_code=820009&ed_page=9|title=MUMBAI CITY [PG 9] : Greens see red over new Ghat panel|website=epaper.dnaindia.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.moneylife.in/article/why-re-examine-the-gadgil-committee-report-on-western-ghats/32794.html|title=Why re-examine the Gadgil Committee report on Western Ghats?}}</ref> Dr. Kasturirangan Report too, was neither accepted nor declined for several months.

Meanwhile, Awaaz Foundation's litigation for declaration of the Sawantwadi-Dodamarg wildlife corridor as eco sensitive was heard by the [[Bombay High Court]] on 28 September 2013 and the Government ordered to notify it as eco sensitive before 31 December 2013.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/declare-sawantwadi-corridor-ecologically-sensitive-by-dec/1175383/|title='Declare Sawantwadi corridor ecologically sensitive by Dec' – Indian Express|website=www.indianexpress.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/Declare-wildlife-corridor-as-an-eco-sensitive-area-HC-says/articleshow/23188616.cms | work=The Times of India | title=Declare wildlife corridor as an eco-sensitive area, HC says – The Times of India}}</ref> The Order was passed during the pendancy of both high level Committee Reports and forms a precedent for citizens/villagers to take up smaller bio diverse areas for protection.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.tehelka.com/the-real-gap-between-two-western-ghats/ |title=Archived copy |access-date=28 September 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130724002427/http://www.tehelka.com/the-real-gap-between-two-western-ghats/ |archive-date=24 July 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

==Heavy Metal Pollution==
Awaaz Foundation measured heavy metal content of firecrackers<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Firecrackers/Entries/2012/11/10_Report_on_metal_content_of_firecrackers.html |title=Report on Heavy Metal Content of Firecrackers |url-status=dead |accessdate=9 July 2013 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200610/http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Firecrackers/Entries/2012/11/10_Report_on_metal_content_of_firecrackers.html |archivedate=29 October 2013 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Breathless during Diwali? Blame it on smoke from sparklers|url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-13/pune/35087317_1_heavy-metals-sparklers-firecrackers|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029210918/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-11-13/pune/35087317_1_heavy-metals-sparklers-firecrackers|url-status=dead|archive-date=29 October 2013|newspaper=[[The Times of India]]| date=13 November 2012}}</ref> and Holi colours<ref>{{cite news|title=Tests reveal heavy metal content in Holi colours|url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/tests-reveal-heavy-metal-content-in-holi-colours/585412/|newspaper=Indian Express|date=28 February 2010}}</ref> and found high levels of toxic heavy metals in both. Tests conducted by Volunteer Faiz Abdulali using a sensitive meter capable of detecting specific heavy metals instantly through surface contact was used. In 2013, metals which are banned under the Manufacture, Storage and Import of Hazardous Chemicals Rules 1989 and placed under Schedule 1 for their highly toxic nature through ingestion or through contact were detected such as Vanadium, Copper, Zirconium, Lead and other heavy metals. These were found specially in commonly used crackers such as sparklers which are often handled by children. Awaaz Foundation has demanded a full disclosure of all chemical content of firecrackers on their packaging. This would be in accordance with Supreme Court Orders.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-23/mumbai/43324137_1_metals-firecrackers-sparklers | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029205414/http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2013-10-23/mumbai/43324137_1_metals-firecrackers-sparklers | url-status=dead | archive-date=29 October 2013 | work=[[The Times of India]] | title=Banned heavy metals in crackers even more hazardous than noise | date=23 October 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/mumbai/report-ngo-seeks-crackdown-on-dangerous-cracker-sale-1907386|title=NGO seeks crackdown on dangerous cracker sale|date=23 October 2013}}</ref>

== See also ==
{{Col-begin}}
{{Col-1-of-3}}
*[[A-weighting|noise regulation scale]]
*[[Sound level meter]]
*[[Environmental Principles and Policies]]
*[[Environmental design and planning]]
*[[Noise health effects]]
*[[Loud music]]
{{Col-2-of-3}}
*[[Noise-induced hearing loss]]
*[[Loudness]]
*[[Environmental Policy]]
*Environmentalism
*[[Human ecology]]
{{Col-3-of-3}}
*[[Environmental movement]]
*[[Forest protection]]
*[[List of environmental issues]]
*[[Environmental design]]
*[[Environmental agreements]]
{{col-end}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20090409232231/http://cpcb.nic.in/divisionsofheadoffice/pci2/noise_rules_2000.pdf Noise Pollution Rules in India]
*[http://www.awaazfoundation.org Awaaz Foundation Website]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131202100232/http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Noise_advocacy/Entries/2013/8/5_The_Anti_-_Noise_pollution_campaign_in_India_by_Faiz_Abdulali.html History of the Noise Pollution Campaign in India]
*[https://www.facebook.com/citizensnoisemapawaazfoundation?fref=ts Citizens' Noise Map]
*[https://www.who.int/docstore/peh/noise/guidelines2.html WHO Report on Community Noise]
*[http://ec.europa.eu/environment/noise/home.htm  European Union Noise Policy]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20100920042807/http://services.defra.gov.uk/wps/portal/noise Noise Mapping UK]
*[http://www.legalserviceindia.com/articles/noip.htm Noise Pollution: Sources, Effects and Control]
*[https://www.who.int/social_determinants/thecommission/finalreport/en/index.html WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health – final report]
*[http://www.i-ince.org/ The International Institute for Noise control]
*[http://www.cbd.int/kb/record/sideEvent/2682?RecordType=sideEvent&Event=COP-11 Side event on sand mining UN Convention on Biological Diversity]
*[https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2713680/ Sand Wars- documentary film by Denis Delestrac]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131003052100/http://envfor.nic.in/content/report-moef-sand-mining Report of MoEF on sand mining]
*[http://coastalcare.org Coastal Care Website]
*[http://www.blacksands.org.nz/ Kiwis Against Seabed Mining]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131206034123/http://www.awaaz.org/Awaaz_Foundation/Welcome_to_Awaaz_Foundation/Welcome_to_Awaaz_Foundation_files/Laika%20Abdulali%27s%20book.pdf The link between politicians and sand mining in and around Mumbai]
*[https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1342 Unesco World Heritage Site - Western Ghats of India]

{{Environmental social science}}
{{Environmental technology}}
{{Sustainability}}

[[Category:2006 establishments in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Maharashtra]]
[[Category:Nature conservation organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 2006]]
[[Category:Noise pollution|+]]