Maharashtra Districts Crack Down On High-Decibel DJs, Laser Lights

Mumbai: Amidst growing opposition to the use of DJ systems during the festive season, several city authorities in Maharashtra have enforced stringent restrictions to curb excessive use of high-decibel DJ systems and laser lights in the processions of the Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav celebrations. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has instructed district authorities to impose the maximum possible restrictions on such practices following wider public consultations.

Citing critical concerns regarding noise pollution and public safety, district administrations across Maharashtra like Nagpur, Navi Mumbai, Solapur and Pune have banned high-decibel DJ systems, modified sound systems, and laser lights ahead of the Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav festivals.

The restrictions specifically target high-decibel sound configurations, including a complete crackdown on plasma sound systems, pressure mids and high-intensity beam or laser lights. Authorities have warned that any violations will lead to immediate criminal liability, the seizure of sound equipment, fines, and the suspension or revocation of operator licenses.

Pune City Police have announced a complete ban on plasma sound systems and pressure mids ahead of the upcoming festive season, warning that violators will face seizure of sound equipment and legal action under the Noise Pollution Rules.

The Pune Police said sound monitoring teams would remain active during the festive season and enforcement would be carried out to ensure compliance with prescribed noise limits while allowing traditional celebrations to continue without causing inconvenience to citizens.

Navi Mumbai Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe has appealed for adherence to noise pollution regulations and urged public Ganeshotsav mandals to avoid using DJs and laser lights. The police have warned that legal action will be taken against mandals and DJ owners who violate these rules. Bharambe clarified that permission would not be granted for loudspeakers exceeding the prescribed noise limits.

In Nagpur, Police Commissioner Vishwas Nangare Patil stated that there is no ban on traditional musical instruments or music itself; instead, action will be taken against specific sound systems that generate excessive vibrations. There is no ban on sound systems that operate within legal noise limits.

“There is no ban on sound systems that operate within legal noise limits. However, action would be taken against multi-layer sound systems, as well as ‘plasma’ and 'pressure-mid' range sound systems that generate intense noise and vibrations,” Nangare Patil said.

In Pune, CM Fadnavis called for a consensus on restricting the use of high-decibel DJ systems during festivals and called for a return to traditional ways of celebrating.

The CM compared the vibrations produced by high-powered DJ systems to an ‘earthquake,’ underlining the intensity of the sound systems. However, a statewide policy would take time as the government was currently consulting different stakeholders, he added.

“Our experience is that wherever discussions have been held, 90 to 95 per cent of people agree. Therefore, this has to happen through discussion and, once that is done, a policy can be framed and an order issued,” he said.