No DJ, No Dolby: Latur police issue Ganpati festival directive

Latur police have directed Ganesh mandals to refrain from using DJs, Dolby systems and high-volume amplifiers during the 10-day Ganpati festival beginning September 14. Authorities urged organisers to use traditional instruments and warned of legal action for noise violations

Latur: Police have directed Ganesh mandals across Latur district in Maharashtra to refrain from using DJs, Dolby sound systems and other high-volume amplifiers during the upcoming Ganpati festival.

Violations of noise pollution norms will invite legal action, Superintendent of Police Amol Tambe said on Monday.

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The demand for festivals free of DJs and high-powered loudspeakers has been gaining momentum in the state, with Pune-based activist Vidyanad Bapat emerging as one of the prominent voices opposing the use of high-decibel sound systems that cause noise pollution during festivities.

The 10-day Ganpati festival will begin on September 14.

The Latur police have appealed to all Ganesh mandals in the district to cooperate with the administration and support the ‘No DJ, No Dolby’ initiative.

They have urged the mandals to give preference to traditional instruments such as dhol-tasha, lezim, halgi and taal-mrudung to ensure that celebrations remain within the prescribed noise limits and are held in a peaceful, disciplined and culturally enriching manner.

Ganesh mandals and individuals found violating noise pollution regulations through the use of DJs, Dolby systems or other prohibited sound arrangements will face action under the law, the police said.

“Ganeshotsav should be about joy, not noise; tradition, not pollution. Those violating the rules will face legal action,” a police official said.