Sound off: Residents' complaints on Jayamahal Palace Hotel events in Bengaluru drown in the din

Bengaluru: For over five years, residents of Jayamahal Extension have been troubled by noise generated from events hosted at the Jayamahal Palace Hotel.

Members of the Citizens Initiative for Jayamahal Area (CIJMA), a residents’ collective, have expressed frustration at the lack of response from authorities regarding their requests to regulate noise levels.

Abhilasha Sachdev, treasurer of CIJMA and a resident of Jayamahal Extension for 36 years, reported that loud music from shows or events at the hotel disrupts their weekends. She alleged that the noise exceeds the decibel levels prescribed by the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB).

“Last weekend, an event started in the morning and continued until evening. We call 112 every time there’s a large event, but when the police arrive, the organisers reduce the volume. As soon as the police leave, the noise is back,” she said.

Abhilasha noted that the opening of the Chamara Vajra Gate on Jayamahal Main Road has led to an increase in all-day events, further amplifying the noise in the area.

The KSPCB sets noise level limits of 55 dB during the day and 45 dB at night in residential areas.

Shilla Shree, a resident of Castle Rock Apartments, described how the noise from the hotel’s speakers causes her glass windows to rattle. “On days with big events, I go out because staying home has become impossible. I hardly host guests anymore,” she said.

2018 report 

In 2018, DH reported that the KSPCB issued a show-cause notice to the hotel management following numerous complaints from residents.

With no relief in sight, the residents have turned to the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) for assistance.

Snehal R, Zonal Commissioner (East), stated that a team of engineers inspected the hotel last week. “We have instructed the management not to organise events that disturb residents. A notice will be issued to the hotel regarding this,” she said.

Pratik G, the hotel manager, told DH that while relevant guidelines are communicated to organisers before events, the management does not monitor compliance. He also claimed that “only a few” families in the area have raised concerns about the noise levels.