Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Panvel Sound Operators Seek Festive Relief From Police Action
Sound and event-equipment businesses in Panvel are preparing for several festivals.
They want to keep working while following noise pollution rules.
The operators say police sometimes seize equipment, impose fines or register criminal cases over loud sounds.
They are asking police to give warnings and explain the rules before taking stronger action.
The group says about 200 to 300 local people work in these businesses.
Each operator’s work may support five or six families.
The association met MLA Prashant Thakur and gave him a memorandum.
He said a meeting with senior police officers and the operators would be arranged to find a solution.
The Sound, Light, Trust, Generator and LED Screen Owners Association sought clearer and more cooperative enforcement ahead of Dahi Handi, Ganeshotsav and Navratri.
The association submitted a memorandum to Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur opposing immediate seizures, fines and criminal cases against compliant operators.
It said around 200 to 300 local residents work in sound, lighting, generator and LED-screen businesses in the Panvel area.
The operators said each business supports roughly five to six families and that the festive season is financially important.
The association requested permission for systems with at least two bass units and two top units, provided noise limits are followed.
- Who
- The Sound, Light, Trust, Generator and LED Screen Owners Association, Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur, and local sound-system and allied-business operators.
- What
- Operators sought clear noise-control guidelines and a cooperative enforcement approach instead of immediate seizures, fines or criminal cases.
- When
- The memorandum was submitted on August 21, 2026, ahead of Dahi Handi, Ganeshotsav and Navratri.
- Where
- Panvel.
- Why
- Operators said strict action during the festive season causes financial losses and affects businesses that support local families.
- Location
- Panvel
- Date
- August 21, 2026
- Upcoming festivals
- Dahi Handi, Ganeshotsav and Navratri
- Local workers and operators
- The association said around 200 to 300 local residents are engaged in related businesses.
- Households supported
- A single operator’s business reportedly supports around five to six families.
- Requested equipment
- At least two bass units and two top units, subject to applicable noise pollution regulations.
- Proposed next step
- A joint meeting involving senior police officials, association office-bearers and members is expected to be convened.