Nagpur Police have announced a prohibition on the use of high-powered sound systems and laser lights during the city’s forthcoming festival season. This decision was made in response to growing concerns regarding noise pollution and public safety. The ban will be enforced from September 4 until 11.59 pm on November 1, according to a police official.

The enforcement of this order coincides with an ongoing discussion about the impact of noise pollution during festivals in Maharashtra. Notably, the BJP in Nagpur has called for Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangre Patil to reconsider this decision as various stakeholders express their apprehensions about the blanket ban on sound systems.

Prominent festivals such as Gokulashtami, Dahihandi, Ganeshotsav, and Dussehra have often been sources of tension among local communities due to disputes arising from the use of high-decibel sound systems, as highlighted by Nangre Patil in a press release.

Concerns Over Noise and Safety

The police order refers to regulations set forth under the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000, stating that such sound systems contravene established noise levels. Furthermore, safety issues related to beam and laser lights were emphasised, as they can pose risks to public health, potentially harming individuals’ eyesight and creating dangers for drivers.

The order specifically targets a range of equipment deemed inappropriate, including “Dolby and plasma sound systems, pressure music systems, modified sound-system vehicles, and beam and laser lights.” Stakeholders, including programme organisers, sound-system operators, and vehicle owners, are being instructed to comply with these restrictions throughout the specified period.

Nagpur city BJP chief Dayashankar Tiwari has expressed disappointment over the blanket ban, arguing that enforcing specific decibel limits would be a more balanced approach. He noted that the sound-system industry supports many families, and a comprehensive prohibition might jeopardise their livelihoods.

Developments in Pune and State-wide Discussions

This announcement comes at a time when the issue of noise pollution is particularly contentious in neighbouring Pune, where the ten-day Ganesh festival is set to begin on September 14. Local activist Vidyanand Bapat has been vocal against loudspeakers and DJ systems, and he faced an alleged assault while attending a civic meeting focused on this matter.

The incident involving Bapat has elicited a strong response, with Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis stating that the assailant has been apprehended. Fadnavis stressed the importance of a respectful dialogue, asserting that no individual should face violence for expressing their views.

The controversy surrounding noise regulation during festivals has sparked wider debates within Maharashtra, with Nagpur Police opting for stringent measures against high-powered sound systems while the BJP advocates for the strict enforcement of existing noise regulations across all public events. As the festival period approaches, the discussions surrounding noise control are expected to continue, highlighting the complexities of balancing celebration and community wellbeing.

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