Pune: The city’s sound and lighting operators face a bleak festive season, with 75% of bookings uncertain as the debate over high-decibel speakers intensifies ahead of Ganeshotsav. The industry, which typically thrives on Ganesh festival, fears steep financial losses if mandals cut back or cancel sound system contracts.Sagar Sutar, vice-president of the Sound Operators’ Association, said the situation had become increasingly precarious for operators who usually finalised bookings at least two weeks before the festival. “Every year, operators complete speaker bookings well in advance. This time, the situation has become critical as many mandals have kept their bookings on hold. Discussions regarding expenses and arrangements are still pending, leaving operators uncertain about their business prospects,” he said.Industry representatives blamed misinformation surrounding the issue for affecting bookings, maintaining that they were willing to operate strictly within the framework laid down by authorities. “We have already clarified that operators will not use pressure-mid and plasma systems to amplify sound levels. We are ready to provide speakers as per the prescribed rules and regulations. There should not be a complete ban on speakers,” association president Ganesh Kalbhor said.According to the association, more than 3,000 sound operators provide services during Ganeshotsav every year, making the festival one of the biggest annual business opportunities for the sector. Operators, however, fear that the ongoing controversy over noise pollution could drastically reduce their earnings.Kalbhor said an operator who would typically generated business worth around Rs 20 lakh during the festive season might struggle to earn even Rs 50,000 this year if bookings continued to dwindle.
