Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Sept 19: With the festive season having started, the commissionerate police Saturday directed disk jockeys (DJs) and owners of the bands to keep a check on noise pollution and adhere to the laws.
The noise during this puja season should not exceed 65 dB, twin city Police Commissioner Dr Rajendra Prasad Sharma said. “Disk jockeys and band owners have been strictly asked to play loudspeakers within the permissible limit of 65 dB. Any violation of this order will attract imprisonment for six months and a fine of `1,000,” he said at a meeting with band owners and DJs at the office of the commissionerate police. At least 80 band owners and DJs attended this meeting.
As per the directions, use of loudspeakers or sound systems will not be allowed after 10 PM and melody performances should also be wrapped up by 10 PM.
“A police squad, equipped with decibel metres, will conduct surprise raids at the pandals and seize the loudspeakers if anyone is found exceeding the specified level of sound emission. Action will be taken against all violators,” said Sharma.
The band owners have been given three weeks to install sound metres, failing which their licenses will be liable for cancellation.
They also have to keep 100 metres distance from colleges, hospitals and other specified structures, Sharma added.
Sources said there are at least 230 registered band owners and DJs providing entertainment services in the city.