In Kolhapur, city police are taking steps to promote quieter Ganesh arrival processions. They are recognizing and rewarding local mandals that choose to organize traditional celebrations without high-decibel sound systems. This initiative aims to encourage a more peaceful atmosphere during the festivities.
We hope more mandals will follow their example and celebrate peacefully while minimising noise pollution,” Santosh Doke, inspector at Shahupuri police station, said. He also said that he should not be held responsible like last year for noise level violations,” a senior police officer said. Senior officers from local police stations are visiting the mandals and presenting them with certificates commending their efforts. “We have appealed to the mandals not to use high-decibel sound systems. Many mandals have given up such processions and are instead adopting traditional forms of celebration. Some are bringing the Ganesh idol without fanfare and without causing inconvenience to citizens. The police have roped in student artists who enacted street plays at Central Bus Stand, B T College Chowk, Shahupuri, Janata Bazar Chowk of Rajarampuri. The artists through their play highlight the side effects of the high decibel sound system and laser lights on the health of children, elders and patients. The police across Kolhapur city held a march to deliver a message that the violators will be dealt with strictly. The police have not banned sound systems, but have asked the mandals to not to cross the sound levels. Meanwhile, president of a Ganesh mandal from Kolhapur city has written to the police stating that if the young workers of his mandal play high decibel sound systems then he should not be held responsible. “The mandal president has written to us not to grant permission to use high decibel sound system.
The mandals felicitated on Wednesday and Thursday included Navnath Mitra Mandal at Jhenda Chowk, Vetale Galli; Suspense Sports at Balbhim Galli; and Shri Ganesh Puja Mitra Mandal at Shahu Circle — all in the Kasba Bawda area.