Pune police have inspected 1,100 mandals conducting Dahi Handi celebrations across the city and its suburbs and will initiate legal action against organisers found to have exceeded prescribed noise limits, according to a report by Loksatta – Pune.
The inspections covered the sound systems used by the mandals and included measurements of sound intensity with decibel-measuring equipment. Police said the checks were conducted in connection with directions issued for Dahi Handi and Ganesh festival celebrations.
Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar directed mandals to limit their sound systems to four bass units and four top speakers. The use of pressure mid and plasma sound equipment has been prohibited, the report said. Most mandals followed the instructions, while some chose not to use loudspeakers.
The celebrations also included dhol-tasha, lezim and other traditional musical groups. Some mandals used sound systems with four bass units and four top speakers, as permitted under the police directions. However, police said their measurements showed that some organisers had crossed the prescribed decibel limit.
Police said legal action would be taken after the inspection reports were reviewed. The authorities have not disclosed in the report how many of the 1,100 inspected mandals were found to have exceeded the limit or the specific decibel readings recorded at each location.
A case has already been registered against the president and office-bearers of a mandal in Bibwewadi, where organisers reportedly used eight bass units and eight top speakers during the Dahi Handi celebrations. The case follows the police warning that organisers violating sound restrictions would face legal consequences.
The inspection drive comes as Pune authorities monitor amplified sound during major public festivals. Police said further action against the mandals identified through the checks would follow the completion of the inspection reports.
