Panvel Sound Operators Meet MLA Prashant Thakur Over Festive Season Police Action
A delegation representing the Sound, Light, Trust, Generator and LED Screen Owners Association met Panvel MLA Prashant Thakur to submit a memorandum seeking relief from stringent police action ahead of the upcoming festival season, which includes Dahi Handi, Ganeshotsav, and Navratri.
The association urged authorities to allow sound system operators to carry out their business while adhering to prescribed noise pollution norms. The operators requested that police adopt a cooperative and advisory approach instead of immediately resorting to equipment seizures, heavy fines, or criminal cases over alleged decibel violations.
Thakur took note of the concerns raised in the memorandum and assured the delegation that a joint meeting would soon be convened with senior police officials, association office-bearers, and members to work out a positive solution.
According to the association, approximately 200 to 300 local residents in the Panvel area are engaged in businesses providing sound systems, lighting, generators, and LED screens. The group highlighted that a single operator's business supports around five to six families, including owners, workers, DJ operators, and tempo drivers.
The association stated that the festive season is a crucial period for these commercial enterprises and that strict enforcement action causes significant financial losses. Operators urged police to first issue warnings, explain applicable rules, and provide guidance to businesses complying with legal requirements rather than immediately confiscating equipment or registering cases.
Specifically, the association has sought permission during the festive period to operate sound setups comprising a minimum of two bass units and two top units, subject to compliance with noise pollution regulations. It also called on the police administration to issue clear instructions to personnel to ensure operators following prescribed limits do not face unnecessary harassment.
The delegation requested Thakur to follow up on the issue with police and administrative authorities. Association office-bearers and adviser Nilesh Sonawane attended the meeting.
