Building on the cause of an eco-friendly Ganapati festival, the Nashik police had earlier urged the mandals to use traditional music during the same.
36 cases have been filed against various mandals for violation of sound decibel levels during Ganapati festival and the immersion procession, by the police; many of these mandals are being supported by political bigwigs in the city.
Building on the cause of an eco-friendly Ganapati festival, the Nashik police had earlier urged the mandals to use traditional music during the same. However, some mandals flouted the rules and were intent on using heavy music systems despite the police cautioning them against violating laws regulating sound decibel levels.
“We had announced that we shall felicitate those not violating sound level restrictions, and at the same time had warned that those violating will face action according to the law,” stated Dr Ravindra Singhal, commissioner of police.
Likewise, the police had issued permissions for use of sound systems, to those mandals who sought it, but with directions to follow the permissible limit of sound decibels. Even at the beginning of the procession, the police personnel on duty accompanying the mandals pointed out the necessity of abiding by the guidelines.
“In spite of issuing proper directions and repeated warnings, some mandals did not follow the regulations, and we had to take action for violation of the law,” stated Laxmikant Patil, DCP, zone 1.
In zone 1, 10 cases were filed for violation during the festival period, and 18 cases were filed for violation during procession while zone 2 saw a total of eight cases being filed. Police have gathered sound level readings which had been recorded as evidence of the violation, along with other evidences available.
While 25 mandals had applied for permission to participate in the procession, 23 actually did, out of which 18 mandals have been booked. Although very few mandals used the dhol as accompanying music, most of them preferred using modern sound systems, including the heavy ones. Cases have been filed against the office bearers of the violating mandals and the sound system operators. The police ensured that the time limit of 12 midnight was followed, and shut down all types of music although processions continued until immersion was done.
Violation of sound comes under the purview of various sections of the Maharashtra pollution control notification, environment protection notification, Maharashtra police Act and the Indian Penal code according to which such violation is punishable.
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