Pune Police Consider Allowing More Speakers For Ganeshotsav

Pune Police are considering a proposal to allow Ganesh mandals to use up to four bass and four top speakers for Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi celebrations.

The proposal is a result of discussions between police officials and representatives of Ganesh mandals, who had requested an increase in the number of speakers allowed. Initially, police had proposed allowing only two bass and two top speakers, but mandal representatives suggested increasing the limit to four bass and four top speakers.

Senior police officials said that nearly 80% of Ganesh mandals had responded positively to the four-bass, four-top speaker arrangement. The police are now discussing the proposal and may arrive at a final decision after consultations with mandals.

The objective of the proposal is to strike a balance between the demands of festival organisers and concerns over noise pollution. Police officials have been holding meetings with mandal representatives to formulate guidelines for the use of sound systems during celebrations and immersion processions.

Despite considering an increase in the number of speakers, police have maintained that there will be no relaxation for equipment capable of producing extremely high sound levels. The use of devices such as plasma and pressure mid systems will continue to be prohibited.

Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar has made it clear that no compromise will be made on equipment that significantly increases sound intensity. The police aim to ensure that festivals are celebrated with enthusiasm while preventing excessive noise from causing inconvenience to residents.

With around 80% of mandals reportedly supporting the four-bass and four-top arrangement, the proposal is likely to receive serious consideration. Police officials are also expected to consult representatives of the remaining mandals before finalising the guidelines.

The final rules governing DJ and sound-system use during Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi are expected to be announced before the festivals, with authorities seeking to balance the demands of organisers with the need to control noise pollution.

The development comes amid growing demands from Ganesh mandals and organisers for greater flexibility in the use of DJ systems during the festive season. The proposal is seen as a step towards finding a middle ground between the interests of festival organisers and the concerns of residents.

In conclusion, the proposal to allow more speakers for Ganeshotsav and Dahi Handi celebrations is a significant development in the efforts to balance the demands of festival organisers with the need to control noise pollution. The final decision is expected to be announced soon, and it will be interesting to see how the proposal is received by the public.