Police in Pimpri-Chinchwad have registered 16 cases against organisers and DJ operators for allegedly violating prescribed noise limits during Dahi Handi celebrations, according to a report by Loksatta. DJ equipment used at the locations was seized during the enforcement action.
The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police conducted inspections at Dahi Handi venues and found that sound systems were being operated above the permitted limits, the report said. Cases were subsequently registered against the organisers and DJ owners connected with the events. The action was taken after police officers observed the alleged violations during on-site checks.
The cases were registered across 13 police station jurisdictions. Nigdi recorded four cases, while three cases were registered in Bavdhan. Pimpri, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Dapodi, Hinjewadi, Wakad, Kalewadi, Bhosari, Dighi and Chakan South recorded one case each, taking the total to 16.
The enforcement followed directions from Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Commissioner Vinay Kumar Choubey, Joint Commissioner Dr Shashikant Mahavarkar, Additional Commissioner Sarang Awad and Deputy Commissioner Baswaraj Teli, who instructed officers to take action against violations of noise-pollution rules. The police carried out the inspections as part of monitoring arrangements for the festival programmes.
The action covers both the organisers of the Dahi Handi events and the DJ operators responsible for the sound equipment, according to the report. The seized equipment was taken into police custody after officers found that the sound levels exceeded the prescribed limits. The report did not specify the individual decibel readings recorded at each location or the value and quantity of the equipment seized.
Police said loud sound can cause difficulty for senior citizens, patients, young children and other residents. The department appealed to organisers to conduct public celebrations while following noise-control rules and considering public peace and the environment.
The enforcement is also a warning for upcoming festivals and public events in the city. Police said sound-amplification systems must be used within the prescribed limits and in accordance with applicable rules. They further warned that organisers and DJ operators who violate noise-pollution regulations during forthcoming celebrations will face legal action.
The latest cases extend police monitoring beyond the individual Dahi Handi events and place responsibility on both event organisers and sound-equipment operators. The Pimpri-Chinchwad Police said surveillance and enforcement would continue during upcoming festivals, with further action to be taken where violations are detected.
