Police restrictions kept noise levels comparatively controlled during Pune’s Dahi Handi celebrations, although some organisers violated limits and one Bibvewadi mandal was booked for using unauthorised sound equipment.
The city’s Dahi Handi festivities were held under restrictions on loudspeakers and sound systems issued by Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar. Mandal representatives were told they could use up to four bass units and four top speakers, while plasma sound and pressure mid equipment were prohibited, according to a report by Loksatta – Pune.
Most mandals followed the prescribed limits, the report said. However, violations were recorded at some locations. Police also observed extensive use of laser beams in central Pune, while several mandals had closed roads in different areas from Friday evening to test sound equipment and install laser lighting ahead of the celebrations.
The restrictions came amid concern among residents that the festival would again lead to high noise levels. Despite the concern, sound levels were described as largely controlled compared with previous celebrations. Drum-and-tasha groups performed at some locations during the afternoon, while crowds gathered in several parts of the city after evening events began.
Traffic in central Pune was diverted to alternative routes after Saturday evening around Chhatrapati Shivaji Road, Bajirao Road, Laxmi Road, Kुमठेकर Road and Tilak Road. Large gatherings were reported around Mandai, Tulshibaug, Shaniwar Peth, Kुमठेकर Road, Pangul Ali in Ganesh Peth, Jain Mandir Chowk in Guruwar Peth, Govind Halwai Chowk, Somwar Peth, Gokhalenagar, Deep Bungalow Chowk, Karve Road and Deccan Gymkhana.
Police took criminal action against the organisers of Shri Krishna Tarun Mandal in the Ota area of Bibvewadi after the group allegedly used eight bass units and top speakers, despite permission for four of each. Police employee Pratik Karanje filed the complaint at Bibvewadi Police Station against the mandal’s president and office-bearers.
“An offence has been registered against the mandal president for causing noise pollution in a public place,” said Ashwini Satpute, senior police inspector at Bibvewadi Police Station, according to the report. The case represents the enforcement of the equipment limits communicated to festival organisers before the celebrations.
