Khar West Residents Plan Saturday Protest Over Late-Night Pub Noise and Traffic Chaos
Residents living along 3rd, 4th, and 5th Roads in Khar West will hold a protest gathering on Saturday against escalating late-night nuisance caused by commercial establishments in their residential neighbourhood. The citizens have also launched an online petition demanding stricter monitoring of recurring violations and dedicated channels to report repeated civic issues arising from local pubs and restaurants.
According to residents, noise readings taken in the area revealed that sound levels touched 90 decibels around 11:10 pm, while average ambient noise was recorded at 67 decibels. Both figures significantly exceed the legally permitted night-time limit of 45 decibels established for residential zones between 10:00 pm and 6:00 am.
Local resident Furkan Shaikh stated that persistent shortages of parking space regularly leave vehicles parked across building gates. Shaikh noted that patrons emerging from nearby pubs frequently trigger disturbances outside, with instances of people carrying drinks directly into residential compounds. He also reported that police response times have been sluggish, saying that a call placed to the helpline at 1:30 am resulted in officers arriving only an hour later at 2:30 am.
Amar Raheja, who lives in a building bordered by SV Road and 5th Road, explained that autorickshaws stationed on both sides of the street worsen the congestion. Raheja stated that drivers have engaged in open urination and that groups of youth have engaged in obscene behaviour, adding that while weekend pub crowds generate peak disruption, parked rickshaws present a constant challenge.
Preeti Chokshi, a former area resident who operates an office locally, said loud music and rowdy visitors shouting and passing offensive remarks affect passersby. Chokshi suggested that pubs should deploy staff members outside their doors at night to supervise leaving patrons. Fellow resident Jigyasa Chabria highlighted that the constant traffic and noise interfere with children studying and disrupt senior citizens and patients needing rest.
Addressing the complaints, Santosh Kate, senior inspector at Khar police station, said police are managing the issue, pointing out that customers using restaurant valet services wait briefly for vehicles before moving along. Kate confirmed that residents have met with officials and stated that the situation will be cleared.
