Noise Troubles During Kanwar Yatra: A Growing Concern in Ghaziabad
As the annual Kanwar Yatra kicks off, residents of Ghaziabad find themselves grappling with escalating noise levels, predominantly caused by truck-mounted DJs that accompany the procession. This situation is reigniting debates around public noise regulation and the balance between religious expression and community discomfort.
Loud Beginnings: A Troubling Trend
On a bustling Friday morning, groups of kanwar pilgrims paraded through major roads in Ghaziabad, including Modinagar and Ambedkar Road. Their trucks, animated with powerful boomboxes, blasted remixed bhajans and popular film tracks. This widespread use of high-volume music sparked immediate concerns from local shopkeepers and residents alike.
A Shift in Pilgrimage Culture
Vikas Tyagi, a local shopkeeper, expressed his observations: "It’s not about devotion anymore for some groups—it feels more like a roadshow." The chaos of loud music, spontaneous dancing, and significant traffic congestion led many community members to question the true essence of this spiritual journey.
Legal Background: A Complex Soundscape
In 2019, the Allahabad High Court introduced a ban on DJs during the yatra, citing excessive sound levels that often breach legal limits. However, the Supreme Court later stayed this order, leaving a gap in enforcement and regulation. The ongoing situation reflects a larger issue of balancing vibrant cultural expressions with public well-being.
Official Statements: Navigating Enforcement Challenges
Amidst the escalating noise levels, local authorities expressed commitment to maintaining order. District Magistrate Deepak Meena stated, "All teams have been directed to ensure that noise does not exceed the permissible level." Despite this commitment, skepticism looms over how effectively these measures will be enforced as the celebrations unfold.
Decibel Dilemmas: The Numbers Don’t Lie
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the permissible noise limit stands at 90 decibels, while sensitive zones like hospitals and schools are restricted to a mere 50 decibels. However, many kanwar groups reportedly surpass 100 decibels in an attempt to outdo one another, creating a cacophony that disrupts the peace of the city.
The Community Responds: A Call for Action
Residents are vocal about their frustrations. Nishi Bansal, a Shalimar Garden local, lamented, "What used to be a peaceful pilgrimage has turned into a noisy, chaotic affair in many areas." The clash between faith and public discipline remains a pressing issue as the noise levels continue to rise year by year.
Health Concerns: Impact on Children
Vivek Tyagi, a member of the Ghaziabad Parents’ Association, voiced his apprehensions regarding the impact of this noise on children’s health and study routines. He argued, "Many children have online classes and early school hours. How are they supposed to study or sleep with DJs blaring outside until late at night?" Parents worry that religious festivities should not come at the cost of their children’s mental well-being.
Regulatory Hurdles: A Difficult Challenge for Authorities
In light of rising concerns, Additional Commissioner of Police Alok Priyadarshi met with DJ operators this past week to discuss noise regulations. He emphasized the recommended decibel range of 75-80 dB, insisting on strict adherence as the yatra progresses.
A Well-Organized, Yet Unregulated Culture
The logistical aspect of DJ operations complicates regulation efforts. Vendor Vidyasagar Pandey highlighted that DJ systems are mostly booked in advance, and the arrangements often include additional equipment such as diesel generators. The financial dimensions of this enterprise cannot be ignored; kanwar groups typically bear the diesel costs, ranging from ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 per day.
Rental Costs: The Economics of Sound
Exploratory discussions with DJ service providers reveal a broad spectrum of rental costs. Smaller setups can be rented for ₹500 to ₹700 per day, while larger mobile DJ systems can reach upwards of ₹5,000 to ₹7,000 per day. This burgeoning industry operates with a team of 4-5 individuals, including technical staff prepared for various contingencies such as adverse weather conditions.
The Spirit of Competition: DJs as Devotees or Business?
Interestingly, several DJ operators contend they join the yatra out of devotion rather than profit motives. However, the competitive atmosphere among groups leads to "volume rivalry" that fuels the excessive sound levels. Ritesh Ahuja, a local DJ service provider, candidly stated, "If one group keeps playing loud music, we turn it up again."
The Cultural Clash: Faith vs. Public Peace
The intertwining of faith-based celebrations with contemporary commercial practices raises questions about the future trajectory of spiritual observances like the Kanwar Yatra. Local residents display a strong desire for moderation, emphasizing that faith is important, but it should not come at the cost of public discipline and peace.
Authorities’ Responsibility: The Time for Action is Now
As the yatra unfolds, the pressure mounts on local authorities to uphold the law without infringing on religious freedoms. The balance of enforcing noise regulations while respecting cultural traditions presents an intricate challenge for government officials.
Implications for Future Celebrations
The situation in Ghaziabad serves as a microcosm of broader societal shifts, where religious expressions increasingly clash with urban noise regulations. The community now anticipates whether any effective solutions will be implemented to ensure that both devotion and peace can coexist harmoniously.
Conclusion: Striving for Balance
In summary, as Ghaziabad embarks on another Kanwar Yatra, the growing concerns regarding noise pollution highlight the need for urgent dialogue among authorities and community members. A collective effort to ensure that public order is respected while honoring cultural practices might just create a more harmonious environment for all. The challenge lies ahead: finding a way to celebrate faith without compromising the tranquility of the community.
