Pune: City-based organisation Miss Farah Charitable Foundation has urged the police to completely ban use of DJ speakers during the Eid-e-Milad procession on Aug 26, warning of contempt of court proceedings if authorities failed to act against violations of noise pollution norms.The foundation said it had been raising the issue for nearly a decade and had submitted representations over the last five-six years to the police commissioner and other senior officers of various police stations.Eid-e-Milad commemorates the birth anniversary of Prophet Mohammad. “We are not against the procession. But we want it celebrated in a disciplined manner. We are not demanding a reduced number of DJs or even allowing the speakers within permissible limits. We are demanding a complete ban during the procession because invariably, the noise level will be more than the permitted limits if so many high-powered speakers are used,” said director of the foundation Anwar Shaikh.The foundation said the religious procession should focus on traditional aspects and convey messages of peace, humanity and brotherhood — instead of using loud sound systems and playing vulgar songs.“The police are responsible for enforcing the law on Supreme Court guidelines. If the SC directions are not implemented and action is not taken against people violating rules, we will be compelled to take the legal route,” the foundation said in a statement.Shaikh Karimuddin, president of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, said that every year, the central chand committee issued an advisory directing people to celebrate the day without disturbing anyone. “The loud music harms people, especially children, elderly and the sick. Hence, it must be avoided. Additionally, under no circumstances must roads be blocked. Any celebration that disturbs common people must be avoided,” said Karimuddin.A resident of Camp area said, “I am a Muslim, but that is beside the point because harsh sound affects everyone adversely. In almost every 50 metre, there is a pandal and sound systems. The noise is so loud that even a healthy person feels anxious. On top of it, laser lights are used. There is need to put an end to this. Let people celebrate, but the police need to ensure that noise pollution norms are not violated. Unfortunately, that is never the case and we suffer from morning till late night.”Joint police commissioner Sanjay Darade told TOI: “None of the organisations or local youngsters have approached us seeking permission to play music on loudspeakers. We have not allowed anyone, as of now. However, if someone plays music on loudspeakers within the permissible decibel levels, we will not file a case against them. If music is played in violation of the prescribed decibel levels, we will register a case.”
