49 mins ago
Maharashtra Ministers Push DJ-Free Ganesh Festival Amid Noise Concerns
Maharashtra officials want Ganesh festivals to be celebrated without very loud DJ systems.
They say loud sounds can hurt people and may create serious health dangers.
Meghana Bordikar said her cousin died because of a DJ system last year.
Sanjay Shirsat said police will enforce noise rules in the city.
People who break the rules could be fined, and vehicles carrying the equipment could be seized.
Officials are asking festival groups to use traditional music instead.
A protest in Pune also demanded a complete ban on DJs.
Protesters said everyone deserves peace and protection from loud noise.
Some people have different opinions about how festivals should be celebrated, but officials say public health must come first.
Health Minister Meghana Bordikar said DJ systems can cause serious health risks, citing her cousin’s death last year.
Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat said police will enforce noise rules and may fine offenders or seize vehicles carrying DJ equipment.
Shirsat urged Ganesh mandals to use traditional music and avoid high-decibel sound systems voluntarily.
A Pune protest called for a complete ban on DJs, saying residents have a right to peace and protection from noise pollution.
Protesters alleged Pune police failed to control excessive noise during Saturday’s Dahi Handi celebrations.
- Who
- Maharashtra Minister of State for Health Meghana Bordikar, Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat, Ganesh mandals, Pune activists and police.
- What
- Officials and protesters are calling for DJ-free or lower-noise Ganesh festival celebrations and stricter enforcement of noise regulations.
- Where
- The ministerial appeal concerned the city in Maharashtra, while the protest took place at Balgandharva Rang Mandir and proceeded to Pune Municipal Corporation headquarters.
- When
- The appeals and Pune protest took place on Sunday, ahead of the upcoming Ganesh festival; protesters also referred to Dahi Handi celebrations held on Saturday.
- Why
- Supporters of restrictions say high-decibel sound systems cause noise pollution, health risks and distress, especially for children and elderly people.
Noise Restrictions
Festival Celebration
Use of DJ systems
Noise Restrictions
Ministers and Pune protesters want DJs and high-decibel sound systems banned or strictly restricted because they say the noise threatens public health and residents’ right to peace.
Festival Celebration
Festival celebrations should continue with enthusiasm; the articles note that public opinion is divided, while officials encourage traditional music rather than ending celebrations.
Enforcement approach
Noise Restrictions
Authorities say police should strictly apply noise laws, including fines and vehicle seizures, and protesters criticized Pune police for inadequate control during Dahi Handi.
Festival Celebration
Officials are also appealing to Ganesh mandals to voluntarily avoid DJ systems, suggesting compliance through traditional celebrations rather than relying only on punitive action.
Key facts
- Health minister
- Meghana Bordikar
- Guardian minister
- Sanjay Shirsat
- Enforcement threatened
- Fines and seizure of vehicles carrying DJ equipment
- Preferred alternative
- Traditional music
- Pune protest organizer
- Loudspeaker Opposition Pune Citizens' Forum
- Protest demand
- A complete ban on high-decibel DJ systems
- Legal reference
- Officials cited existing Supreme Court noise guidelines
Quotes
Meghana Bordikar
Maharashtra Minister of State for Health
“Unfortunately, my cousin died because of a DJ system last year. We repeatedly appeal to people, and the Supreme Court has also laid down guidelines, but many fail to adhere to them. The use of DJs can lead to fatal consequences, and I have experienced this personal tragedy myself.”
telegraphindia.com
“I appeal to people to celebrate with enthusiasm and in a traditional manner. Small children and the elderly should be able to comfortably participate and understand the cultural essence of the Ganesh festival. I believe the mandals will heed our appeal.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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