Pune: Ganapati mandal workers on Thursday said they were planning to hold oath-taking programmes over the next two weeks, pledging to avoid the use of plasma and pressure-mid systems that amplify the overall sound effect of speakers.The mandals would take an oath to operate sound systems within the permissible noise limits, a mandal worker said.He said so far, more than 700 mandals have taken an oath not to use high-decibel sound systems during the festival. Many more mandals are also in favour of avoiding such systems.Residents across the city have strongly objected to the rampant use of high-decibel sound systems, DJs and loudspeakers during festivals, saying they create immense problems for everyone.Mandal workers discussed using speakers within permissible noise limits at a joint meeting held at Ganesh Kala Krida Manch to discuss preparations for dahi handi and Ganeshotsav.An office-bearer of a Ganesh mandal said the joint action committee of mandals had taken cognisance of the issue of high-decibel sound. “We had a series of meetings on the use of speakers. All mandals have agreed on a resolution that plasma and pressure-mid systems will not be used during processions. Mandals using these systems during processions will be requested to stop using them,” he said.The joint action committee of Ganapati mandals has also urged all mandals to avoid competition over sound levels.A committee member said, “Many mandals increase the volume of their speakers when they cross each other or reach a prominent chowk. We have asked mandals not to get involved in any such competition.”
