Pune police have inspected 1,100 Dahi Handi groups across the city and its suburbs for compliance with prescribed sound limits, warning that organisers found exceeding the limits could face legal action. The inspections were conducted during the festival using equipment to measure sound intensity.
The action followed directions issued by Pune Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar for Dahi Handi and Ganeshotsav organisers. Mandals were instructed to use sound systems with four bass units and four top speakers. The police have also prohibited the use of pressure-medium and plasma sound equipment.
According to the police, most mandals followed the instructions, while some chose not to use loudspeaker systems. Traditional percussion groups, including dhol-tasha and lezim troupes, were invited by several organisers as part of the celebrations.
However, inspections found that some mandals exceeded the prescribed decibel limit despite using the permitted configuration of four bass units and four top speakers. Police said the inspection reports would be reviewed before further action is taken against the organisers concerned.
The police also said a case had been registered against the office-bearers, including the president, of a mandal in Bibwewadi after the group used eight bass units and eight top speakers during its Dahi Handi celebration.
Officials said the sound intensity of the systems used by mandals in Pune city and the suburbs was measured during the inspections. The police warning applies to groups found to have breached the prescribed limits, with further cases expected after the inspection reports are examined.
