This article highlights the work of Sumaira Abdulali, an environmental activist from India known for her campaigns on noise pollution and sand mining. Abdulali frequently has an audiometer in her hand as she travels around Mumbai, taking note of how excessively high the noise reaches, especially during festivals. She founded the Awaaz Foundation, a public trust that aims to decrease noise pollution due to horns, firecrackers, construction activities, amongst other things. Thanks to her work, in 2016, the High Court created orders that significantly decreased noise pollution during festivals and celebrations across Mumbai. Abdulali also petitions against illegal sand mining and has been threatened, attacked, and intimidated by the sand mafia numerous times. One particular case, whereby Abdulali discovered illegal sand mining close to her own home, led to the Bombay High Court banning illegal sand mining along all coasts as well as to the banning of any sand extraction throughout the state of Maharashtra. In light of this event, Abdulali founded the Movement against Intimidation, Threat and Revenge against Activists (MITRA). Abdulali was also named the ‘Minister of Noise’ by press and government figures and has been awarded the Spikes Asia Silver Award for her dedicated work to noise pollution and sand mining lobbying.
