Nagpur city police have registered 22 cases for alleged violations of noise-pollution rules during festive celebrations, as enforcement against high-decibel DJs, loud sound systems and modified vehicles intensifies across the city. The police said no such cases were reported in areas under Nagpur rural police after organisers and sound-system operators were briefed on the applicable rules.
The city cases include seven registered during Dahi Handi celebrations, one during Pola, three during Marbat processions, three during Ganesh idol arrival events and eight during idol immersion. The cases were filed against organisers and sound-system operators for alleged breaches of prescribed noise limits and other restrictions.
The enforcement follows repeated directions from the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court to ensure implementation of noise-pollution rules. In September, the court sought a report from the police after violations were reported during Dahi Handi and Marbat celebrations.
Nagpur police have imposed restrictions from September 3 to November 1 on high-powered multi-speaker DJ systems, plasma and pressure-mid sound systems, and modified vehicles carrying such equipment. Police clarified that action was not being taken against systems operating within permissible noise limits.
The issue came into sharper focus during Dahi Handi celebrations. At Chhota Tajbagh Square, police registered a case against 13 people after a DJ allegedly continued beyond the permitted time. At Ajni Square, sound levels at another Dahi Handi programme were recorded at 102.4 decibels, according to the report.
As part of a preventive strategy, city police conducted around 44 meetings with festival organisers, sound-system operators and other stakeholders. The meetings covered permissible sound levels, operating timings and the consequences of violations. The campaign was intended to prevent breaches before events took place rather than rely only on post-event action.
Nagpur Rural Police also held meetings with Ganpati mandal organisers, DJ and sound-system operators, local representatives and peace committee members. Officials reviewed arrangements for Pola, Ganesh Chaturthi, Anant Chaturdashi and other celebrations across the district.
Police officials said the objective was to ensure that celebrations remained within permissible noise limits and did not inconvenience residents, senior citizens, students, patients and other vulnerable groups. The restrictions remain in force until November 1, covering the continuing festive period.