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Nagpur: Nagpur city police have registered 22 cases for violations of noise-pollution norms during festive celebrations so far, while simultaneously intensifying an awareness campaign aimed at preventing excessive use of DJs, loud sound systems and other high-decibel equipment. Nagpur police have imposed restrictions from Sept 3 to Nov 1 covering high-powered multi-speaker DJ systems, plasma and pressure-mid sound systems and modified vehicles carrying such equipment. The city police conducted around 44 meetings with festival organisers, sound-system operators and other stakeholders, explaining permissible sound levels, timings and the consequences of violations. At Chhota Tajbagh Square, police registered a case against 13 persons after a DJ allegedly continued beyond the permitted time, while at Ajni Square, police recorded sound levels reaching 102.4 decibels during another Dahi Handi programme.
No cases were reported in Nagpur rural police areas following intense awareness drives and meetings with mandals and organisers of festive celebrations. In Sept, the court had sought a report from the police after violations were reported during Dahi Handi and Marbat celebrations. As per the city police data, seven cases were registered during Dahi Handi celebrations, one during Pola, three during Marbat processions, three during Ganesh idol arrival and eight during immersion. Cases were registered against organisers and sound-system operators for alleged violations of prescribed noise limits and other restrictions. The Nagpur bench of Bombay High Court has repeatedly directed the police to ensure strict implementation of noise-pollution rules. Police clarified that no action was taken against systems playing music within permissible noise limits. A major focus of the campaign was pre-emptive awareness. The issue also came into sharp focus during Dahi Handi celebrations.