20 DJ vehicles seized for disruption during Lord Ganesh's idol immersion in Balasore

As many as 20 DJ vehicles brought for Ganesh Puja immersion were seized in Odisha’s Balasore district on Sunday for violating noise regulations. The administration carried out the action following the immersion process on Friday after the vehicles were found playing extremely loud music. 

Allegations arose that the laid norms by the district administration were flouted during the immersion programme. 

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The district administration had earlier announced that only four sound boxes would be allowed and DJs would be banned if the norms are flouted.

Excessive Noise Causes Disruption

After the Ganesh Puja celebrations, each immersion procession carried its own DJ vehicles. However, when the processions reached near the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital in Motiganj, the medical facility faced serious disturbances due to the excessively loud music and noise. 

On Friday, these processions disregarded the restrictions, creating extreme noise that disrupted local residents and caused major problems for patients and their attendants.

Earlier, the Balasore administration and the Shanti Committee had held discussions and reached an understanding that DJs used during immersion processions should not exceed the noise limit of 60 decibels.

In response, the local administration and police convened a meeting on Saturday and subsequently seized 20 DJ-mounted vehicles for violating the rules. Officials added that the step was also taken to prevent similar disturbances during Sunday’s immersion processions.

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According to reports, more DJ vehicles may also face seizure. For Sunday’s idol immersions, processions have been completely banned from hiring DJs.

Ban Likely to Extend to Other Festivals

The incident has also sparked speculation that during upcoming puja celebrations such as Durga Puja and Kali Puja, the local administration and police may implement similar restrictions to avoid any untoward situations.