Navi Mumbai Police have asked public Ganeshotsav mandals to avoid using DJ systems and laser lights during the festival, warning that violations of noise-control rules will invite legal action against organisers and DJ operators. The instructions were issued ahead of Ganeshotsav celebrations in Navi Mumbai and the Panvel area, where large numbers of idols are installed in public mandals.
Police Commissioner Milind Bharambe said sound amplifiers exceeding prescribed limits would not be permitted. He also warned that mandals and DJ owners could face action under the law if they ignored the directions. The guidance was communicated to the heads of all police stations in Navi Mumbai on Friday.
Police officials are contacting office-bearers of public Ganeshotsav mandals and asking them not to use DJ systems or laser lights during processions and other festival events. Deputy Commissioner of Police for Zone 3, Rashmi Nandedkar, instructed police station officers to inform mandals about noise-pollution regulations while granting permissions for loudspeaker use.
The police action is focused particularly on the arrival and immersion processions expected in the Panvel area. These events can involve amplified music and large public gatherings. Nandedkar appealed to mandals to use traditional musical instruments instead of high-volume DJ systems so that senior citizens, children and patients are not disturbed.
Laser-light restrictions have also been linked to the presence of Navi Mumbai International Airport near the Panvel area. Police said aircraft operate through the area around the clock and that laser beams used during take-off and landing can obstruct pilots’ vision.
According to the police, two pilots had complained in February about being disturbed by laser lights before landing on the airport runway. In view of that incident, mandals and organisers have been advised to avoid laser use during Ganeshotsav processions and other programmes.
Bharambe said the police appeal was intended to ensure that festival organisers followed the applicable rules. “We have appealed to Ganeshotsav mandals to avoid the use of DJ systems and laser lights. If the instructions are violated, action will be taken against those concerned under the law. Navi Mumbai Police work according to the law. No sound amplifier exceeding the prescribed limit will be permitted,” he said.
The police instructions will apply while permissions are being considered for loudspeakers and public festival events. Organisers have been asked to follow the notified noise limits and avoid laser displays that could affect aircraft operations near the airport.
