Follow noise norms but allow DJs, demand Ambedkar followers

Lokmat News Network

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

A sharp debate erupted at a coordination meeting ahead of the 135th birth anniversary of B. R. Ambedkar, with Ambedkarite followers seeking DJ permission within legal decibel limits and guardian minister Sanjay Shirsat opposing it, citing health risks and strict enforcement of noise laws.

Police commissioner Pravin Pawar said the Constitution mandates adherence to noise norms, adding that loud DJs hamper bandobast and sideline traditional dhol and lezim troupes. Shirsat said DJ demands should not overshadow Ambedkar’s ideals and warned of serious health hazards.

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2,075 injured last year

Pawar said that during last year’s celebrations between Kranti Chowk and Paithan Gate, 1,237 persons were admitted to government hospitals and 838 to private hospitals with ear- and heart-related injuries allegedly linked to DJ noise. At the meeting in Sant Eknath Natya Mandir, attended by mayor Sameer Rajurkar, deputy mayor Rajendra Janjal and district collector Vinay Gowda G.S., ward offices were ordered to remain open on Sunday following complaints over delays.

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Scale of celebrations

Celebrations will include four main processions, 240 rallies, tributes at 96 statues, idol worship at 150 locations and 102 programmes, with deployment of 1,200 personnel, 100 police officers and 200 SRPF jawans. Citizens sought completion of the Dr Ambedkar memorial at Bhadkal Gate, removal of debris, potholes, encroachments, obstructive poles and hanging wires, more mobile toilets for women, action against illegal liquor sales, and repairs of streetlights at Nutan Colony and Paithan Gate, clearance of encroachments and obstructive poles, and removal of hanging power wires pending for two months, which officials assured would be cleared on Sunday.

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Anger at civic body, power utility

Shirsat warned officials to utilise Rs 32 crore sanctioned by the District Planning Committee for road obstruction removal or return the funds.