Latur police ban DJs, Dolby systems for Ganpati festival
Latur police have directed Ganesh mandals to avoid DJs and Dolby systems during the upcoming festival, warning of legal action for noise violations.
Ahead of the ten-day Ganpati festival beginning September 14, the Latur police in Maharashtra have issued a clear directive to all Ganesh mandals in the district: keep the celebrations free of DJs, Dolby sound systems, and other high-volume amplifiers.
Superintendent of Police Amol Tambe stated on Monday that any violation of noise pollution norms would attract legal action. The move is part of the administration's 'No DJ, No Dolby' initiative, which has been gaining traction across the state, with activists like Pune-based Vidyanad Bapat vocally opposing high-decibel sound systems during festivities.
The police have appealed to mandals to cooperate with the administration and instead opt for traditional instruments such as dhol-tasha, lezim, halgi, and taal-mrudung. This, they said, would ensure celebrations remain within prescribed noise limits and are conducted in a peaceful and culturally enriching manner.
Authorities have warned that any mandal or individual found violating noise regulations through the use of prohibited sound arrangements will face action under the law. "Ganeshotsav should be about joy, not noise; tradition, not pollution," a police official remarked, underscoring the spirit of the directive.