Activist calls for BIS raids on unlicensed sound systems
Under the system, larger mandals will be allowed to halt for 20 minutes and smaller ones for 15 minutes before receiving a green signal to move 20 metres ahead, either voluntarily or with police intervention. Only two base and two top sound system units will be permitted during the Sept 14 procession. Kolhapur police have also announced the draw for the Rajarampuri arrival procession, in which 53 Ganesh mandals will participate. He said under the BIS Act, 2016, the Bureau of Indian Standards, functioning under the Union ministry of consumer affairs, was empowered to set standards, conduct inspections, issue licences, carry out raids and seizures, and initiate criminal proceedings related to goods and services.
Because large mandals with sound systems often took two to three hours to clear a single location, causing prolonged delays in the procession, kolhapur superintendent of police Nilotpal said the initiative was planned. However, enforcement remains limited due to inadequate manpower, lack of awareness among police and the absence of BIS offices in every district,” he added.
Laser lights, pressure mids, CO2 gas canisters and flying drones will be prohibited during both arrival and immersion processions,” he said. Kolhapur: Police will introduce a red-green signal system during Ganesh arrival and immersion processions to prevent mandals from remaining at one spot for long periods. “Signals will be installed at five locations along the Rajarampuri procession route. “BIS can seize unlicensed sound and lighting systems and initiate criminal action against manufacturers and sellers.