Bhubaneswar: City police on Monday rejected an appeal by two associations representing DJs and sound and light owners, respectively, to revoke a decision to ban playing of music by disc jockeys (DJs) during Ganesh Puja, especially during immersion processions. The ban was imposed by commissionerate police on Aug 18.
Police said high-decibel sound emanating during the festival, especially during processions, is in contravention of noise pollution norms and in the larger public interest, it has been decided to put a blanket ban on the use of DJ music.

“We held discussions with the members of the associations. They are demanding revocation of our decision that has been taken in the interest of the people. It is not always possible to monitor processions and DJs and ask them to play music within the decibel limit,” said DCP Prateek Singh.
“Commissionerate police have set a Aug 30 deadline to obtain permission for playing music and use of DJs. Police are not likely to grant us permission because only three more days are left. They are buying time. During the meeting, police were unwilling to allow DJ shows,” said Jagadish Maharana, organising secretary, Odisha Sound and Light Owners’ Association.
Residents said the DJs not only create unbearable sound, but also throw sharp laser lights which are harmful to the eyes.
“During festivals or marriages, several DJs move along various streets creating disturbance. It is not their fault. They have no choice but to increase the sound on demand of the organisers or marriage parties,” said Minaketan Shah, a resident of Rasulgarh.
Shah added, “Either this practice should be strictly regulated or we should do away with it.”

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