Maharashtra ministers push to ban DJ systems at festivals after health minister's cousin's death

Two Maharashtra ministers have taken opposing stands on the use of DJ sound systems during religious festivals, with the state health minister disclosing that her cousin died because of a DJ system last year.

Minister of State for Health Meghana Bordikar said festivals should be celebrated with enthusiasm but must not cause health hazards to others. "Unfortunately, my cousin died because of a DJ system last year. We repeatedly appeal to people, and the Supreme Court has also laid down guidelines, but many fail to adhere to them. The use of DJs can lead to fatal consequences, and I have experienced this personal tragedy myself," she said.

Strict enforcement promised ahead of Ganesh festival

District Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat backed the call for a ban on DJs, announcing that the city administration and police will strictly enforce noise regulations during the upcoming Ganesh festival. He urged organisers to celebrate with traditional music instead of DJs.

"As far as our city is concerned, we do not want DJ systems. The police will take strict action as per the law: offenders will be fined, and their vehicles carrying the equipment will be seized," Mr. Shirsat said. He chaired a preparatory meeting for the Ganesh festival and noted that public opinion on the issue is divided, but the administration must prioritise public health.

Mr. Shirsat urged Ganesh mandals to voluntarily refrain from using high-decibel sound systems to avoid action.

Home ministry takes contrasting position

Minister of State in the Home Department Yogesh Kadam, however, took a sharply different stance. "The sound during our Hindu festivals will not be stopped," Mr. Kadam said in Mumbai.

The demand for a festival free of DJs and high-powered loudspeakers has been gaining momentum in the state, with Pune-based activist Vidyanad Bapat emerging as one of the prominent voices opposing the use of high-decibel sound systems that cause noise pollution during festivities.

Source: The Hindu