Five Booked for Exceeding Sound Limits During Ganesha Festival in Kushalnagar

Quick Summary

• Kodagu district police booked five individuals for using sound systems exceeding prescribed decibel limits during Ganapathi idol immersion in Kushalnagar town on August 31.
• Sound systems emitted high-frequency noises between 110-120 decibels,surpassing legal noise limits as specified by the Environment (Protection) Act 1986 and Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules 2000.
• Despite police warnings to organizers about adhering to noise limits, violations occurred. The drivers of vehicles carrying these sound systems have been booked under Sections 285 and 292 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Act and Sections 36 and 109 of the Karnataka Police Act.
• The offending vehicles along with pressure mid-speakers were seized by authorities.
• Superintendent of Police K. Ramarajan publicly appealed against exceeding permissible decibel levels,highlighting health hazards associated with high-level noise pollution. A pre-event meeting had previously provided compliance reminders to festival committees.

indian Opinion Analysis
This incident underscores growing concerns surrounding adherence to environmental laws during public celebrations in India, notably large-scale festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi that often include loud music equipment as part of cultural practices. Kodagu police’s proactive enforcement approach reflects an attempt to balance tradition with public health priorities while emphasizing legal regulations concerning allowable noise levels under national law frameworks like the Environment (Protection) Act.

The seizure of vehicles indicates strict accountability measures being taken not just toward event organizers but also intermediaries such as vehicle operators contributing indirectly to violations. Public reminders issued before festivities suggest important efforts taken in advance for awareness, yet non-compliance suggests challenges in achieving cultural adaptation towards eco-pleasant celebrations.

While maintaining religious freedoms is key, upholding regulations that protect citizens from harmful health impacts due to excessive sound exposure should be prioritized universally across states during similar events nationwide.Published – september 01, 2025 at Indian Opinion.