Nashik : As Ganeshotsav approaches, Nashik’s DJ operators say their biggest threat is no longer police action or noise restrictions, but rival operators from neighbouring districts who they fear could undercut them, violate norms and jeopardise the industry’s future.
Pathade said between 300 and 400 DJ operators in Nashik district have invested heavily in compliant sound systems and cannot afford another confrontation with authorities. “We have invested anything from Rs 80 lakh to Rs 2 crore and we do not want the systems to face any ban. What was announced by the Pune police commissioner — four top and four base with restricted decibels — we have been following since last year. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Nashik | Silver Rate in Nashik | Bank Holidays in Nashik | Public Holidays in Nashik | Petrol Price in Nashik | Diesel Price in Nashik | CNG Price in Nashik | LPG Price in Nashik Stay updated with the latest Nashik news.
The Nashik DJ Association said local operators have consciously shifted to law-compliant setups to avoid action and ensure their businesses survive. We are worried about the participation by rivals from other areas facing local bans and creating nuisance here,” said Mangesh Pathade, a member of the Nashik DJ Association. The concern stems from reports that operators facing restrictions elsewhere are approaching Ganesh mandals in Nashik city and rural areas, offering high-output “pressure-mid” and plasma sound systems at lower prices. We don’t want such a situation here and hence we are going to raise the issue with district guardian minister Girish Mahajan during the meeting,” he said. Another operator said DJs hit by restrictions in other cities were now targeting Nashik’s festive market, often bringing equipment that local operators have deliberately phased out to remain within permissible limits.
Having spent the past year trying to align with noise regulations, local operators are now worried that DJs from districts such as Solapur, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and Ahilyanagar, where stricter restrictions and crackdowns are in place, will flood the Nashik market with high-decibel sound systems and cheaper rates. Local DJ owners say such systems generate extreme acoustic pressure and noise levels, increasing the risk of complaints and administrative crackdowns that could affect the entire industry. We are aware that any wrong move by us will attract the ire of the administration leading to stern action. This could ruin our business forever. Fearing that violations by outsiders could trigger blanket restrictions, local DJ owners plan to submit a representation to the district administration and guardian minister Girish Mahajan, seeking safeguards for compliant operators and curbs on high-decibel equipment entering the district during the festive season. With bookings peaking ahead of Ganeshotsav, operators say the battle is no longer just for business, but for the survival of an industry trying to stay on the right side of the law. Download the TOI App.
“In Nashik, we decided last year that we will ensure our systems are compliant with the norms while celebrating festivals to ensure our businesses can continue.