Even after the High Court’s order to ban DJ & Dolby system, many Ganesh Mandals used DJ in immersion procession on Sunday at several places in Mumbai. Police took action on 202 such Mandals that crossed the volume level of noise pollution with DJ. Some Mandals used DJ at the Ganapati Pandal only while some played DJ in low volume by taking care of no action to be taken by the police.
As the noise pollution is affecting the health of many children and senior citizens, the social activist had filed a petition in the court regarding the ban on DJ. Accordingly, the Bombay High Court had banned use of DJ & Dolby music system in the procession. However, on Sunday, many Mandals used DJ in the Ganapati immersion procession.
In the Kalachauki Police station area, the Police had issued notice in advance that if DJ is used than strict action will be taken. Therefore during the procession many Ganesh Mandals in Kalachauki did not use the DJ, while some played DJ in a low volume. However when crossed the boundary of ‘Kalachauki Police station and entered in the ‘Byculla Police station’, these Mandals played DJs in full volume. Similarly, ‘Vikhrolicha Raja’ Mandal kept the Orchestra in the truck, although they used the DJ’s sound system in the truck but there were singer and the musician to play the music so the Police were unable to take the action. Likewise, many Mandals used DJ keeping the volume low and high in-between to escape from police’s action.
The 512 Tenament Association of Samata Colony of Ghatkopar had used DJ during Ganapati immersion procession. Till 10 pm they played DJ in loud voice but after Police warned them, they lowred the volume.
Bandya Dalvi, Vishwa Ajinkya Krida Mandal, Ghatkopar
We are celebrating Ganesh festival for 29 years. Last 13 years we are celebrating procession with DJ but this year due to court’s order we did immersion without DJ. We are protesting against those who filed a petition in the court. We tied black ribbons to mark our protest during procession.
The noise level decreased
Every year, ‘Aawaz foundation’ survey during Ganapati immersion procession. This time survey has recorded the highest noise level in Santacruz area, surprisingly this noise pollution took place in the presence of police but they didn’t take any action. 113.9 decibels volume was recorded but this was less than last year‘s 119.8 decibels whereas in 2016, it was 116.4. The noise level was also recorded when there were no DJs. According to the survey, 104.7 decibel volume was recorded at 7.40 pm in the evening on Khar Liking road and 96.4 decibels volume at Juhu Garden areas. Puneri Dhol was played at Bhagwan Store area of Santacruz, 113.9 decibel noise level recorded this time.
