PUNE: Hundreds of residents from across the city on Sunday took to the streets to oppose the use of DJs and loudspeakers during festivals. United under the ‘Punekars Against Loudspeakers’ banner, they carried out a protest march from Bal Gandharva Chowk to Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) headquarters in Shivajinagar. “We are not against any festival, but stand against loud noise, speakers and DJs for celebrations,” said several protesters.The agitators waved placards and shouted slogans in support of a loudspeaker ban amid heavy police bandobast set up in place for the rally. The citizens also presented a memorandum to the police department outlining their demands. These included pre-event on-site inspections and pre-event officer accountability, proactive seizures of equipment violating norms, acoustic and technical justifications, real-time decibel tracking, a public nodal officer directory, and a daily action register.“We want illegal, deafening loudspeakers and similar health-hazardous noise-polluting instruments and equipment to be banned, not only during Ganeshotsav but across all types of religious, caste, and political processions and celebrations,” said Rahul Sawant, a medical practitioner present at the march.According to representatives, in light of clear directives from Supreme Court and National Green Tribunal (NGT), they have appealed to the police commissionerate, PMC and Maharashtra Pollution Control Board (MPCB) to establish a joint operating protocol for proactive inspections.“Police commissioners in other cities are issuing prohibitions in this regard. If traditions are respected in Solapur and the law is upheld in Nagpur, why is there free rein in Pune? Why has Solapur succeeded and Nagpur managed noise-free loudspeakers, while Pune remains stuck?” said Umesh Khandare, another participant.Protesters of all ages attended Sunday’s march, from youngsters to senior citizens.Participant Vidya Kelkar said, “I am 82 years old. Having seen so many Ganesh festivals over my lifetime, I feel the event has taken a very troubling turn in recent years. For people like us, the sound of the DJs makes our window panes rattle, even when closed. Because of this, proper sleep and rest have become impossible. What are we supposed to do?”“We all witnessed it during Dahi Handi. The police had set restrictions and carried out their duty diligently by confiscating speakers. But why should the police even need to step in and take such action? If you want to celebrate a festival within acceptable limits, respect those limits. Since people fail to do so, a total ban is the only solution,” said protester Kirti Limaye.Police said that around 350-400 people joined the rally. “We have received their memorandum of demands. Due legal action will be taken,” deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Krushikesh Rawale told reporters.
