Hyderabad Police Ban DJ Sound Systems, Firecrackers During Religious Processions

The Hyderabad Police have imposed a ban on DJ sound systems and firecrackers during religious processions to address noise pollution, public health, and potential law and order issues. The decision, effective immediately, was agreed upon after a meeting with various stakeholders on September 26.

The Hyderabad Police have introduced a ban on DJ sound systems and firecrackers during religious processions in the city. The notification, issued on September 30, aims to combat noise pollution, protect public health and prevent potential law and order issues.

The police noted an increasing competition among procession organizers to use bigger and louder DJ systems, which they said is harmful to human health. 'The use of the DJ system is harmful to the human body besides causing a lot of noise pollution. Prolonged exposure to the high decibel of sound emanated by these DJ systems is extremely damaging for human health,' the statement read.

The notification also highlighted the dangers of firecrackers, citing an incident on September 19 where a generator caught fire during a religious procession, likely due to firecracker sparks. Fortunately, the fire was controlled quickly, but it led to rumors and communal tension.

The notification outlined specific decibel limits for different areas of Hyderabad: Industrial Areas - 75dB (day), 70dB (night); Commercial Areas - 65dB (day), 55dB (night); Residential Areas - 55dB (day), 45dB (night); and Silence Zones - 50dB (day), 40dB (night).

Violations of the new regulations will result in strict legal consequences under the Hyderabad City Police Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanita (BNSS), including fines, imprisonment, and confiscation of sound equipment. Local SHOs and inspectors have been directed to enforce these rules promptly.

This decision follows a consensus reached during a meeting on September 26 with religious procession organizers, political party representatives, and government officials on the need to regulate loud equipment and fireworks during religious events. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)