Maharashtra Ministers call for DJ-free festivals citing health hazards

Maharashtra Minister of State for Health, Meghana Bordikar and district Guardian Minister Sanjay Shirsat made a strong pitch against the use of DJ sound systems during festivals.

Ms. Bordikar said that while festivals should be celebrated with enthusiasm, they 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.

Mr. Shirsat too agreed adding that the city administration and police will strictly enforce noise regulations, urging organisers to celebrate with traditional music instead of DJs.

The MLA, who chaired a preparatory meeting for the upcoming Ganesh festival, noted that public opinion on the issue is divided, but the administration must prioritise public health.

“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,” he said.

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

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.

His ministerial colleague Yogesh Kadam however felt that nothing can stop Hindu festivals. “I said this firmly in Pune yesterday (Friday), and I am saying this in Mumbai. The sound during our Hindu festivals will not be stopped,” Mr.Kadam, the Minister of State in the Home Department, said in Mumbai on Saturday (September 5).